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The World is Not Silent

The World Is Not Silent

by DON X. NGUYEN
directed by REBECCA WEAR

FEBRUARY 4 - 22, 2026

A father. A son. A lifetime of words unspoken. The World Is Not Silent tells the funny and poignant story of Don, a first-generation Vietnamese American astrophotographer, and his father, Dau. Don grew up speaking English and never learned his father’s native Vietnamese, so when Dau begins to lose his hearing, their already fragile connection is tested further. Determined to bridge the gap, Don learns sign language, opening the door to a new way of understanding between them. The World Is Not Silent explores the profound ways in which language can both divide and unite us, and how love finds a way to be heard.

Click HERE for Tickets

Photo illustration by Emily Cooper.

THE WORLD IS NOT SILENT is made possible in part through the generous support of Dale F. Eickelman and The Tea House.

ASL Interpreted Performance: Friday, Feb. 20th, at 7:30 PM.
  • Regular Tickets $37 - $80

    Prices vary based on seat location

  • Youth Tickets $28

    25 and under

  • Student Tickets $28

    For students of all ages

  • Pay-What-You-Can Preview (Feb. 4) $10+
Running time is approximately 95 minutes. There is no intermission. This show is recommended for teens and up.
This production includes strobe lights and haze. In addition, sandalwood incense will be burned during two scenes in the play. If you are sensitive to incense smoke, please contact the Box Office for more information.
Click HERE for Tickets
OR Call the Box Office at 802-296-7000
"The actors are the magic in this production [...] The performers radiate charm and deliver personalities that say what they mean with expressions and timing as well as words. That’s the play’s seventh language: the kinds of looks that register, that connect, that create laughter."
Alex Brown
Alex BrownSeven Days
"...the final scenes, so poignant, also manage to draw the unexpected belly laugh."
Susan Apel
Susan ApelArtful
"...a comedic, heartfelt production with earnest performances from its three actors."
Marion Umpleby
Marion UmplebyValley News

Special Events

Click on the events to learn more

FRIDAY, FEB. 6
6:30 PM
Lemal Community Room

Join us before the show for a conversation with playwright Don X. Nguyen and director Rebecca Wear on their creative processes! Don’t miss out on a fun and exciting peek into the alchemy of how we bring The World Is Not Silent to life here at Northern Stage.

Admission is Free to the Public.

FRIDAY, FEB. 13
6:30 PM – 7:20 PM
Lemal Community Room

Join fellow subscribers for complimentary drinks and snacks prior to the show!

RSVP recommended but not required. Admission is Free to all 2025/26 season subscribers.

SATURDAY, FEB. 14
Following the 7:30 PM Performance

Join us after the 7:30 PM show for a conversation with the The World Is Not Silent company.

Admission is Free to the Public.

FRIDAY, FEB. 20
7:30 PM Performance

Northern Stage will be offering an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreted performance as a more accessible theater viewing experience for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing. For this performance, Interpreters will be located near the stage. Patrons have the option to reserve seating in the front of the theater that provides the best sight lines to follow the interpretation alongside the action onstage.

To access $40 reserved seating in view of the interpreters, please contact the box office at (802) 296-7000, or email us at boxoffice@northernstage.org. 
 
Click HERE for tickets to the performance.

Meet the Cast

Mai LĂŞ (Linh)
Peter Trinh (Dau)
Paul Yen (Don)

Meet the Creatives

Don X. Nguyen

Playwright

Rebecca Wear

Director

Scenic Designer

Frank J. Oliva

Costume Designer

Alicia J. Austin

Lighting Designer

Jennifer Fok

Sound Designer

Nicholas Drashner

Projection Designer & Programmer

Dylan B. Carter

Wig Designer

Moriah James

Asst. Scenic Designer

Michael Ruiz-del-Vizo

Production Stage Manager

Julia Egizio

Production
Sponsors

The World is Not Silent is sponsored in part by Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital, Carson Wealth and Vermont Public.

The World is Not Silent is made possible in part through the generous support of Dale F. Eickelman and The Tea House.

Series
Sponsors


Access For All performances are sponsored by Bar Harbor Bank.