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WSET.com - ABC13 - Deaf Actress Takes Stage & Teaches Lesson
Lynchburg's E.C. Glass High School has a reputation for an outstanding drama department. One that's not afraid of challenging scripts.
This weekend, they practiced for a performance called "Children of a Lesser God.," which is about the relationship between a deaf student and her teacher.
It's not a typical play, but the actors call it a gratifying challenge because a deaf actress is playing the role of the deaf student.
But the most rewarding part hasn't been the script. They say it's the experience and lessons learned.
Maggie Mills has been silent her whole life. She was born deaf, and she uses sign language, no spoken words.
"Communication grinds to a halt, because they have different perspectives," actor Zeb Peterson said.
But Mills and fellow actor Peterson have learned to see eye to eye. It was the hardest thing for his character therapist James Leeds needs to learn.
"He starts to realize, 'Oh Gosh, I'm this stupid hearing person and I don't understand,'" Peterson said.
But Mills makes it a little easier to take in.
"The only thing I can't do is hear," Mills said in sign language with her interpreter speaking.
"I've been able to hear my entire life. I have no idea what deafness is like," Peterson said. "I put on a pair of ear muffs during the show to try to simulate it, but still I have no idea."
"Really, Sarah (my character) and I both, we're the same as everyone. we want to feel like we're in control of our lives just like everybody does," Mills said.
Peterson says the play has taught him a valuable life long lesson. He says it has changed the way he thinks and views others.
"With a little patience, compassion and understanding most of all, we 'silly hearing people', can actually learn and start to understand what it's like," Peterson said.
And for the first time ever, the drama department is using shadow interpreters in this play.
They are an extension of the characters; they wear costumes, act and sign right next to the actors.
In most plays, one interpreter stands off the side of the stage and interprets all characters.
The play starts Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and runs until Jan. 21 at the Alumni Studio Theater.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and students. Advanced tickets will go on sale at the E.C.Glass Auditorium Lobby Box office weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. from January 12-20 and at the door one hour prior to each performance.
If you would like to watch the interview with shadow interpreter Richard Gokey, go here:
Interview With a Shadow Interpreter - YouTube
You can watch the interview with Director Tom Harris here:
Interview with Tom Harris, Director of E.C. Glass's Children of a Lesser God - YouTube
You can watch interview with lead educational interpreter for Lynchburg City Schools Katherine McMullen here:
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WA8uA_w_wcI]Interview with Interpreter Katherine McMullen - YouTube[/ame]
Lynchburg's E.C. Glass High School has a reputation for an outstanding drama department. One that's not afraid of challenging scripts.
This weekend, they practiced for a performance called "Children of a Lesser God.," which is about the relationship between a deaf student and her teacher.
It's not a typical play, but the actors call it a gratifying challenge because a deaf actress is playing the role of the deaf student.
But the most rewarding part hasn't been the script. They say it's the experience and lessons learned.
Maggie Mills has been silent her whole life. She was born deaf, and she uses sign language, no spoken words.
"Communication grinds to a halt, because they have different perspectives," actor Zeb Peterson said.
But Mills and fellow actor Peterson have learned to see eye to eye. It was the hardest thing for his character therapist James Leeds needs to learn.
"He starts to realize, 'Oh Gosh, I'm this stupid hearing person and I don't understand,'" Peterson said.
But Mills makes it a little easier to take in.
"The only thing I can't do is hear," Mills said in sign language with her interpreter speaking.
"I've been able to hear my entire life. I have no idea what deafness is like," Peterson said. "I put on a pair of ear muffs during the show to try to simulate it, but still I have no idea."
"Really, Sarah (my character) and I both, we're the same as everyone. we want to feel like we're in control of our lives just like everybody does," Mills said.
Peterson says the play has taught him a valuable life long lesson. He says it has changed the way he thinks and views others.
"With a little patience, compassion and understanding most of all, we 'silly hearing people', can actually learn and start to understand what it's like," Peterson said.
And for the first time ever, the drama department is using shadow interpreters in this play.
They are an extension of the characters; they wear costumes, act and sign right next to the actors.
In most plays, one interpreter stands off the side of the stage and interprets all characters.
The play starts Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and runs until Jan. 21 at the Alumni Studio Theater.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and students. Advanced tickets will go on sale at the E.C.Glass Auditorium Lobby Box office weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. from January 12-20 and at the door one hour prior to each performance.
If you would like to watch the interview with shadow interpreter Richard Gokey, go here:
Interview With a Shadow Interpreter - YouTube
You can watch the interview with Director Tom Harris here:
Interview with Tom Harris, Director of E.C. Glass's Children of a Lesser God - YouTube
You can watch interview with lead educational interpreter for Lynchburg City Schools Katherine McMullen here:
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WA8uA_w_wcI]Interview with Interpreter Katherine McMullen - YouTube[/ame]