Acclaimed Deaf Actress Terrylene Takes Her Story of Survival and Love on Tour

From: CSD - Mar 8, 2004

PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Erin E. Casler
CSD Communications Office
ecasler@c-s-d.org
(605) 977-8406

Acclaimed Deaf Actress Terrylene Takes Her Story of Survival and Love on Tour

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Mar. 8, 2004) — CSD is pleased to announce the engagement of nationally renowned deaf actress Terrylene for performances of her acclaimed, autobiographical one-woman play, “In the Now.” Shows slated for Tulsa and Oklahoma City will raise funds that benefit CSD's domestic violence programs in those cities.

CSD’s domestic violence program offers linguistically and culturally accessible domestic violence services, advocacy, education and information about abuse. The program's referral services help victims decide what to do next, such as finding a safe place to stay, plugging into medical care and legal assistance, and other support services. CSD also provides services to law enforcement agencies, shelters, advocates and other non-deaf service providers that focus on cultural and linguistic competency, community asset building, prevention education and resiliency.

Terrylene portrays an irrepressible story of a young woman's personal odyssey of confusion, guilt and enlightenment that catapults her from victim to survivor to self-actualization. Terrylene's “In the Now” will be performed in Oklahoma City on Apr. 9 at Oklahoma City Community College, and the Tulsa performance on Apr. 10 is at Tulsa Performing Arts Center.

Through the magic of experimental American Sign Language expression, Terrylene allows us to witness a moving story that chronicles her journey from guarded girl to “total woman.” “In The Now” interweaves storytelling, ASL poetry and monologue with voice translation and original music. We capture a glimpse into the mental turmoil caused at the hands of an abusive stepfather as she takes steps within the healing process. With the unflinching love of her grandmother, her “secret” is revealed at the moment she learns to transcend the painful experiences of her past — turning survival through anger into the radiant beauty of the real person she would become. Thought provoking, profound, life affirming and humorous, “In The Now” is a performance piece that inspires us to see the truth in the power of love and forgiveness, by learning to let go and enjoy life.

With memorable roles in such films as Oliver Stone’s “Natural Born Killers” and “City of Angels,” Terrylene is perhaps best known for her popular recurring role on TV’s “Beauty and the Beast” and through her numerous appearances on such shows as “E.R.,” “Once and Again” and “Night Visions.” She stars opposite Oscar winner Louise Fletcher in Miramax's soon-to-be-released "AfterImage."

The tour will feature voice translation by both Elizabeth Greene and Cass Harvey, with original music composed by Marilyn Donadt. “In The Now” is sponsored in part by CSD and Sprint, as well as the Oklahoma City Community College and Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City’s Interpreting Training Program.

For more information or to purchase tickets: Contact CSD of Oklahoma at csdoklahoma@c-s-d.org or (866) 845-7445 TTY/Voice.

About CSD – CSD (also known as Communication Service for the Deaf, Inc.) was established in 1975, primarily to provide sign language interpreting services to deaf and hard of hearing adults in South Dakota. Today, CSD employs over 2,000 individuals in offices across the nation, providing a broad continuum of social and human services programs, as well as telecommunications relay services. CSD is a private, nonprofit agency dedicated to providing quality services; ensuring public accessibility; and increasing awareness of issues affecting the deaf, hard of hearing and individuals with speech disabilities. For more information, please visit www.c-s-d.org.

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