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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A Show of Hands: A Celebration of Deaf Theatre Gaining Momentum
Massachusetts Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Pledges $10,000

Boston, MA– A Show of Hands: A Celebration of Deaf Theatre, a three-day event celebrating the work of Deaf theatre co-presented by VSA arts of Massachusetts and A Show of Hands Theatre Company, has found a new source of support, bringing the event organizers halfway to their fundraising goal. The event has also brought in some major performers from around the country.

“ With the support that we’ve been deluged with, we can truly show the community here in Boston and nation-wide just how important Deaf theatre is,” said Bonnie S. Kaplan, festival co-chair. “I’m so excited that the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing has decided to support our efforts by becoming an Oscar-level sponsor with $10,000 in funds.”

“ Deaf theatre is one of the ways in which Deaf people in Massachusetts inspire, borrow ideas, and find solutions from each other through a cherished language and culture,” said MCDHH commissioner Heidi Reed. “This same theatre also has a way of reaching out to non-Deaf people and creating mutual understanding along with better communication. Deaf theatre entertains us, challenges our perceptions of people, and ultimately enriches us all.”

A Show of Hands will be held Nov. 17-19 in Boston, showcasing distinguished American Deaf theatre artists and their work. Performances will be presented in American Sign Language (ASL), along with panel discussions and working with local schools for children’s activities. Award-winning actors Phyllis Frelich and Bernard Bragg are the prestigious Guest Presenters for the event. Performers include Terrylene, Peter Cook, CJ Jones, Rosa Lee Gallimore, The Wings Company, and The Con (Howie Seago and Nat Wilson). In addition to an international performer to be announced, students from the Scranton State School for the Deaf (Pennsylvania) will also be giving a show. A Show of Hands Theatre Company will provide a puppet show for the younger audience.

“ It’s our hopes that we’ll bring both well-established and newer performers together to truly celebrate the magic of Deaf theatre,” said Janis Cole, festival co-chair. “Deaf theatre is a pivotal part of Deaf history, not just here in Massachusetts but every where in the world, too. That’s why we’ve tried to bring in performers from every part of the nation, and from other countries as well.”

The festival will be held at the Roxbury Center for the Arts Hibernian Hall in Roxbury, Mass. For ticket information or other details, please visit www.deaftheatrefest.com or e-mail info@deaftheatrefest.com.