by Maddie Inserra
National Theatre of the Deaf
Stella Adler once said, "The word theatre comes from the Greeks. It means seeing
place. It is the place people come to see the truth about life and the social
situation." Beginning in the 1967, the National Theatre of the Deaf became a
catalyst for change for Deaf and hearing actors (NTD, 2014). This company tours
the world with productions for all types of people, especially the Deaf and hard
of hearing. The National Theatre of the Deaf incorporates sign language with the
musical arts in order to create a unique production for its audiences.
In the late 1950's, the Broadway production The Miracle Worker inspired Anne
Bancroft and David Hays to believe that sign language could evolve to be a world
performing art form. This play was about Helen Keller, a deaf and blind girl who
moved audiences when by showing how sign language opened the world for her. Ten
years later, Hays founded the National Theatre of the Deaf. This company is now
the longest existing touring company in the United States.
David Hays was the NTD's first artistic director, and he understood the
importance of appealing to the public and hiring actors who could accurately
portray sign language to the audience (Kurrs, 2016). Hays worked with Edna
Levine, a psychologist and expert in Deafness and who also wanted to create a
professional theatre company for Deaf actors. They received funding through
federal grants and faculty at Galludet University. Hays' goal was to create
social change by showing the value of the Deaf individual and artist.
When audiences saw the plays for the first time they were inspired by the
amazing ability of Deaf artists (NTD, 2014). The actors use a unique language to
speak to the audience which is a combination of music, sign language, and spoken
words (Sandahl, 2014). This company has a strong influence in the US theatrical
community and has provided intercultural experiences for deaf and hearing
audiences. The majority of the audiences are hearing, but the National Theatre
of the Deaf makes an effort to support the Deaf community and work on increasing
Deaf leadership in the show's production.
The National Theatre of the Deaf has achieved worldwide success, performed in
every state and continent, and even places like the White House and Disney
Channel. They have changed American Sign Language from being a stigma in 1967 to
being seen as a beautiful, powerful, visual language (NTD, 2014). In addition,
this program has created many opportunities for the Deaf and hard of hearing
since it was first created. For example, close captioning, interpreters, and
bi-lingual education are common to see in this day and age. New jobs have been
created in this sector such as Deaf comedians, poets, storytellers, and music
performers.
Nyle DiMarco was a Deaf model featured on the TV show "Dancing with the
Stars." Transitions to end discrimination against the Deaf have begun
because of the cultural impact of this company. There is no wonder the
National Theatre of the Deaf is considered "A Wonder to Behold". It has changed
many people's lives by bridging the gap between the Deaf and hearing
communities.
[Article submitted: April 6th, 2017]
References:
Authors unknown. (2014) National Theatre of the Deaf History. Retrieved from
http://www.ntd.org/ntd_history.html
Sandahl (October 31, 2014). National Theatre of the Deaf. Retrieved from
https://www.britannica.com/topic/National-Theatre-of-the-Deaf
Kurrs (April 5, 2016). American Sign Language in Theatre. Retrieved from http://howlround.com/american-sign-language-in-theatre-and-social-advancement-or-why-we-need-more-deaf-actors-onstage
Notes: Also see: National Theater of the Deaf 1 | 2 | 3
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