Deaf UK teen, Amber Fitzgerald-Woolfe, featured in TV series
Renca Dunn, Daily Moth Reporter:
A TV series called “His Dark Materials” recently released episodes for Season 3. In Episodes 1 and 2, there is a character named Ama who is played by a Deaf person. Her name is Amber Fitzgerald-Woolfe (14) and she is from the United Kingdom (U.K.)
[Full-screen images]
The genre is adventure, fantasy drama, and mystery. The story is about the main character, Lyra, searching for her kidnapped friend, but she ends up discovering a sinister plot and it becomes a quest for her. The series is based on the trilogy of novels written by Philip Pullman.
For Amber’s part as Ama, she uses British Sign Language (BSL) in the episodes. We reached out to Amber for an interview related to her experience and before we show you the interview clip, we want to let you know that Amber is using BSL. Here is our interview.
[Begin interview]
Renca: What was your experience like? Was it good? Did you have a good experience? Explain if you can.
Amber: It was such a good experience! Everyone was really nice, and friendly.
In Wales they use both Welsh and English as their official languages – so when I started to use BSL it was nothing out of the ordinary. I wasn’t made to feel different in any way, I was accepted and included.
I should also mention my co-actors, Ruth Wilson and Kobna, who were really interested in learning BSL - I think for them it was something different that piqued their curiosity – and they approached my deafness without any preconceptions, I was just one of the team. I recently saw them at the premiere and they both signed to me, nice to see they still remembered their BSL!
Renca: What are your dreams? Do you want to act? Is acting just a bucket list for you or is this something that you want to pursue in the future?
Amber: At first I was somewhat reluctant. My family suggested auditioning, but I was quite hesitant, so they sent my casting tape in without me knowing! I was actually really pleased when I was cast.
I’ve always been into poetry and have been filmed translating often, but acting presented a different challenge. I’d like to act more so we’ll have to wait and see what is out there for me. It was a really good experience.
Renca: Do you have anything you would like to say to the Deaf community all around the world who are watching this?
Amber: I’d say…. Deaf people can do anything they put their minds to. If you want it, do it! Oh and Happy New Year!
Renca: Yes! Happy New Year! Thank you.
[End interview]
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Thank you, Amber, for your time. You can follow Amber and her social media account- we have provided a link in this transcript. You can catch Amber as Ama in “His Dark Materials” in season 3, Episodes 1 and 2 on HBO Max.
Links:
Amber’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amberfitzgeraldwoolfe/
https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/fantasy/his-dark-materials-season-3-release-date-cast-plot/