Unique show features hearing and deaf actors, interpreters
Posted:
Updated:
By Robin Murdoch FOX 2 News Reporter
ROCHESTER, Mich. -- It's a cutting edge creation that caters to all crowds. Whether you hear it or just see it, Oakland University and TerpTheatre's latest production "Police : Deaf :: Near : Far" is far from typical.
"'Police : Deaf :: Near : Far' is mostly about relationships, romantic relationships between deaf and hearing people. Relationships between the deaf community and the police community. And it's about how we're challenged in all kinds of relationships to make better choices and to be more inclusive," said Karen Sheridan, a theatre professor at Oakland University.
The unique show includes both hearing and deaf actors, along with interpreters. It gives everyone who comes out an experience Michigan made and made to remember.
"It's sort of like if you as a hearing person went to see a movie that was captioned, but the captioning was off to the side instead of on the screen and you had to keep looking at the captioning, looking at the screen. That's how it feels when the interpreter's off to the side. We're included in the play so that the deaf people can actually watch the play. We bring the focus back to the actors," said TerpTheatre managing partner Shelly Tocco.
Auditions for "Police : Deaf :: Near : Far" took place weeks ago. Some even happened via Skype with actors as far away as New York.
Once word got out about what was happening, everyone wanted in.
"In the beginning, we had no idea the level of interest that there would be, and as soon as we announced that we were doing this production, we began to receive calls from out of town. And so, as producers and directors and people involved in a production, they saw responsibility to try to seek the best talent possible," said TerpTheatre managing partner Dan McDougal.
An actor who starred on Broadway eventually landed one of the lead roles.
"I thought he was fabulous. He was well prepared for the audition. He captured the nuances of the script that we gave him," Tocco said.
The show itself will capture the attention of audiences at Oakland University's Varner Hall through October 14. It's a play to learn from and live by no matter if you say it or sign it.
"For us to bring a deaf theatre project to Detroit feels very natural, too, because we do have this rich history of theater here," McDougal said.
Sunday, March 17 2013 9:05 PM EDT2013-03-18 01:05:08 GMT
A 16 year-old young man from Romulus is sore, swollen and recovering from a dislocated jaw. An amateur video shows he was brutally beaten outside a local 7-Eleven, and his family needs help tracking down
A 16 year-old young man from Romulus is sore, swollen and recovering from a dislocated jaw. An amateur video shows he was brutally beaten outside a local 7-Eleven.
Sunday, March 10 2013 10:20 PM EDT2013-03-11 02:20:14 GMT
A simple fall from a DDOT bus at Livernois and 7 Mile meant an unexpected trip to the hospital and an unexpected friend when a 13-year old boy needed one the most.
A simple fall from a DDOT bus at Livernois and 7 Mile meant an unexpected trip to the hospital and an unexpected friend when a 13-year old boy needed one the most.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:15 AM EDT2013-05-24 14:15:15 GMT
More than 150 dogs have been removed from locations owned by a breeding facility in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula, where officials said the animals were living in outdoor enclosures with little protection.
More than 150 dogs have been removed from locations owned by a breeding facility in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula, where officials said the animals were living in outdoor enclosures with little protection.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:27 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:27:33 GMT
If you'd like to contribute to the Oklahoma tornado relief efforts, FOX 2's Amy Andrews says you can drop off supplies at the Democratic Club of Taylor (23400 Wick Rd.) now through Sunday.
If you'd like to contribute to the Oklahoma tornado relief efforts, FOX 2's Amy Andrews says you can drop off supplies at the Democratic Club of Taylor (23400 Wick Rd.) now through Sunday.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:17 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:17:03 GMT
Officials say the Detroit Institute of Arts' collection could be sold to help satisfy creditors if the financially troubled city of Detroit seeks bankruptcy protection.
Officials say the Detroit Institute of Arts' collection could be sold to help satisfy creditors if the financially troubled city of Detroit seeks bankruptcy protection.
Friday, May 24 2013 7:19 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:19:36 GMT
Michigan's public schools would get about 3 percent more and it's community colleges and universities about 2 percent more in overall funding next fiscal year under measures approved by Republican-led budget panels.
Michigan's public schools would get about 3 percent more and it's community colleges and universities about 2 percent more in overall funding next fiscal year under measures approved by Republican-led budget panels.
Friday, May 24 2013 6:47 AM EDT2013-05-24 10:47:05 GMT
Jimmy Howard stopped 25 shots as the Red Wings beat the Chicago Blackhawks 2-0 on Thursday night in Game 4 of the second round series to put the NHL's best team during the regular season on the brink of elimination.
Jimmy Howard stopped 25 shots as the Red Wings beat the Chicago Blackhawks 2-0 on Thursday night in Game 4 of the second round series to put the NHL's best team during the regular season on the brink of elimination.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:21 PM EDT2013-05-24 01:21:55 GMT
The mountains of petroleum coke along Detroit's riverfront continue to grow. Now lawmakers are saying the stuff has to go as the story gets national attention.
The mountains of petroleum coke along Detroit's riverfront continue to grow. Now lawmakers are saying the stuff has to go as the story gets national attention.
KTTV FOX 11 1999 S. Bundy Dr. Los Angeles CA 90025
