Play to focus on issues of deafness

From: Rochester Democrat and Chronicle - Rochester,NY,USA - Jan 27, 2006

A locally written play centered on deafness and the issues deaf people face is being performed at Rochester Institute of Technology's National Technical Institute for the Deaf. Windows of the Soul by Luane Davis Haggerty, an NTID staff member who is also directing the performance, depicts several characters living in an apartment building. Many are struggling to disprove stereotypes and discrimination due to their deafness.

Most of the cast members are NTID students. Simon Carmel, a retired associate professor at NTID, is the show's narrator. An accomplished magician, Carmel has some tricks up his sleeve as he tells of great moments in deaf history.

The show is expected to be performed in Greenwich Village in New York City March 6 to 12.

The show, performed in Room 1510 next to the Robert F. Panara Theater, is at 7:30 p.m. today; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; and 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday.

It is performed in American Sign Language, which is voiced for hearing audience members.

Admission is free, but seating is limited and is first-come, first-served.

Copyright © 2006 Rochester Democrat and Chronicle