Since the play, and then the movie, came out, “Children of a Lesser God” has had a special place in Rus Roberts’ family.
Roberts is the director of ACT’s production of the play, which opens July 27.
“I have two deaf brothers, both older than me by 10 and 12 years,” he said. “Not only was there an age difference separating us, but also the deafness. Many of the themes and situations in the play our family, too, experienced.”
The play takes place in James Leeds’ mind as he reflects back on past events in 1979. The place is a school for the deaf where James teaches. There he meets a former student of the school, Sarah Norman, who is now a dorm maid.
As James puts it in the play, “They met, they fought, they fell in love...”
“The play is about connections,” Roberts said. “Connections between people and how we can create them despite significant differences.”
Rehearsals have been a learning experience for almost everyone, according to Roberts.
The two leads, Jason Howell and Holly Hartman, playing James Leeds and Sarah Norman respectively, were not actors. This is their first time on stage. Plus, only a few of the cast and crew knew American Sign Language before starting rehearsals, so most had to learn their lines as well as a new language.
“Having a deaf actor, a hard-of-hearing production assistant and a professional interpreter has changed and challenged my normal directing routine,” Roberts said.
Production assistant Sami Jenkins originally auditioned to play the part of Sarah Norman. When Roberts cast Hartman in that role, he asked Jenkins to take the position as production assistant.
“It’s been a learning experience trying to teach people that don’t know sign to get that down and learn their parts,” she said.
She says she got lucky with Howell since he is an American Sign Language interpreter.
“I couldn’t imagine having to teach him all his lines,” she said.
Howell’s wife encouraged him to try out. She knew that Roberts was worried about casting that part.
“It’s been interesting,” said Hartman. “Jason’s helped out a lot and we’ve learned a lot about each other.”
Hartman said she probably won’t act again as she feels she is not cut out for theater.
The play will be performed in American Sign Language, with interpretation, on Aug. 10. Roberts is raising money to pay for those interpreters. About half of the cost is covered by the Oregon Arts Commission, but he is asking private companies and persons to donate.
If you are interested in donating, contact Roberts at 541-990-4899 .
