Poster Session #2: UC South Ballroom
A Decade of Deaf Theatre: An analysis of theatre within the Deaf Community, the expansion of its acceptance, and the influence it has today
Presentation Type
Poster
Faculty Mentor’s Full Name
Bernadette Sweeney
Faculty Mentor’s Department
Theatre
Abstract / Artist's Statement
The gap between two worlds, Hearing and Deaf, has started to close thanks to the world of Theatre. This growing phenomenon has started to manifest in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities, offering new found ways of expression, acceptance, and growth. The dramatic, positive turning points that have occurred in the last ten years of Deaf Theatre has had a big impact on the Deaf community. However, little information exists about where this growth has stemmed from, prompting my research into why this has occurred and what it has done for the Deaf community. Primary sources such as interviews with deaf schools, several Deaf individuals who are interested or have partaken in the theatre for the deaf, and print sources pertaining specifically to the Theatre for the Deaf. Secondary sources are also going to play a role in my research such as books, articles and reviews on deaf portrayals or productions. Due to the lack of detailed research on this particular topic, my research contains original inquiries and holds a unique viewpoint. It investigates recent events that have significance for the deaf/hard of hearing and hearing world alike. Companies like Deaf West and the National Theatre for the Deaf have started paving the way through high profile shows such as Pippin, Big River, and most recently, Spring Awakening. These companies and high profile shows are opening up many doors for the deaf and hard of hearing communities. The reveal of Deaf theatre is surprisingly new and innovative and offers numerous opportunities for this community. With these opportunities, the Deaf population can provide the hearing public and new perspective on an unfamiliar culture.
Category
Social Sciences
A Decade of Deaf Theatre: An analysis of theatre within the Deaf Community, the expansion of its acceptance, and the influence it has today
The gap between two worlds, Hearing and Deaf, has started to close thanks to the world of Theatre. This growing phenomenon has started to manifest in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities, offering new found ways of expression, acceptance, and growth. The dramatic, positive turning points that have occurred in the last ten years of Deaf Theatre has had a big impact on the Deaf community. However, little information exists about where this growth has stemmed from, prompting my research into why this has occurred and what it has done for the Deaf community. Primary sources such as interviews with deaf schools, several Deaf individuals who are interested or have partaken in the theatre for the deaf, and print sources pertaining specifically to the Theatre for the Deaf. Secondary sources are also going to play a role in my research such as books, articles and reviews on deaf portrayals or productions. Due to the lack of detailed research on this particular topic, my research contains original inquiries and holds a unique viewpoint. It investigates recent events that have significance for the deaf/hard of hearing and hearing world alike. Companies like Deaf West and the National Theatre for the Deaf have started paving the way through high profile shows such as Pippin, Big River, and most recently, Spring Awakening. These companies and high profile shows are opening up many doors for the deaf and hard of hearing communities. The reveal of Deaf theatre is surprisingly new and innovative and offers numerous opportunities for this community. With these opportunities, the Deaf population can provide the hearing public and new perspective on an unfamiliar culture.