Spring Break
'Poetry in Motion' performance spreads awareness
JD Malone, For The Miami Student
Issue date: 11/16/04 Section: Campus
The National Theatre of the Deaf (NTD) staged "Poetry in Motion" at Presser Hall on Sunday afternoon. Opening with an introduction to American Sign Language that included several renditions of the American Sign Language alphabet, the NTD performed several poems, including "Casey at the Bat" and even sang, "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," in sign language."I liked how they did the alphabet stories," said Katie Boyd, when asked about her favorite part of the show. Taking suggestions from audience members, the cast of "Poetry in Motion" acted out several scenarios including a camera and an airplane using pantomime and sign language. The actors were met with a silent but enthusiastic sign language applause from the audience of about 140.The NTD, founded in 1967, has been performing theatre in sign language in hopes of promoting deeper understanding and appreciation of deaf culture. Winner of a Tony Award in 1977 for Theatrical Excellence, the NTD has given over 7,000 performances across the globe."I am hoping to expose the Miami students (to the fact) that deaf is also a culture, and that deaf people are capable of doing anything," said Miya Cohen, president of the sign language and deaf awareness club."
