Deaf_West_Theatre

Deaf West Theatre

Deaf West Theatre

Sign-language theater in Los Angeles, California, US

Deaf West Theatre is a non-profit arts organization based in Los Angeles, California, US.[1] It is most well known for its Tony Award-nominated productions of Big River and Spring Awakening.

Deaf West Theatre is led by artistic director DJ Kurs.[2]

History

Established in 1991 by Founding Artistic Director, Ed Waterstreet,[3] Deaf West Theatre engages artists and audiences in unparalleled theater experiences inspired by Deaf culture and the expressive power of sign language. Committed to innovation, collaboration, and training, Deaf West Theatre is the artistic bridge between the deaf and hearing worlds. Deaf West productions are traditionally performed in American Sign Language with voice translation occurring at the same time so it is accessible to both deaf and hearing audiences. Deaf West has also held workshops for deaf youth who come from underprivileged communities and supported young deaf individuals who have a career in the arts. Since 2012, Deaf West has been led by Artistic Director DJ Kurs.[4][5]

Deaf actors who have worked with Deaf West Theatre include Troy Kotsur, Phyllis Frelich, Daniel Durant, Marlee Matlin, and Alexandria Wailes.[5][6][7][8]

Productions

Notable past productions include Our Town by Thornton Wilder in a co-production with Pasadena Playhouse;[9] Edward Albee's At Home at the Zoo in a co-production with The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts;[10] Spring Awakening, which transferred from Inner-City Arts to The Wallis Annenberg and then to Broadway where it received three Tony Award nominations, including Best Revival;[11] American Buffalo, which was labeled a Los Angeles Times Critic's Choice;[12] Cyrano, a co-production with the Fountain Theatre which received the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Production;[13] Big River which received two Tony Award nominations (including Best Revival),[14] Pippin, produced at the Mark Taper Forum in a co-production with Center Theatre Group;[15] Oliver! which received the Ovation Award for Best Musical,[16] and A Streetcar Named Desire which received the Ovation Award for Best Play.[17]

Awards and nominations

More information Year, Award ...

References

  1. [1]
    "Deaf West Theatre". Deaf West Theatre. Retrieved 2020-07-17.
  2. [2]
    "Deaf West artistic director David Kurs: Why deaf actors should be cast to play deaf characters". Los Angeles Times. 13 July 2017. Archived from the original on 2017-07-13.
  3. [3]
    BWW News Desk. "Deaf West Theatre to Honor Retired Founding Artistic Director Ed Waterstreet, 2/9". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2020-07-17.
  4. [4]
    "About". Deaf West Theatre. Retrieved 2023-10-09.
  5. [5]
    Gelt, Jessica (26 August 2022). "How L.A.'s Deaf West is becoming the American theater company of the moment". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2023-10-08.
  6. [6]
    Lefkowitz, David; Manus, Willard (30 January 1998). "Phyllis Frelich Tracks Brilliant Traces at Deaf West, Feb. 1". Playbill. Retrieved 2023-10-08.
  7. [7]
    Lundstrom, Jim (19 August 2021). "Daniel Durant hopes Duluth enjoys CODA". Duluth Reader.
  8. [8]
    Gioia, Michael; Viagas, Robert (21 July 2015). ""Children of a Lesser God" Oscar Winner Marlee Matlin Will Make Broadway Debut in Spring Awakening". Playbill. Retrieved 2023-10-08.
  9. [9]
    "Deaf West's Our Town to Open New Season at Pasadena Playhouse". Playbill. 1 June 2017. Archived from the original on 2017-06-01.
  10. [10]
    "The Wallis and Deaf West Theatre present EDWARD ALBEE'S AT HOME AT THE ZOO". The Wallis Annenberg. Archived from the original on 2016-07-13.
  11. [11]
    "The Tony Award Nominations". www.tonyawards.com. Retrieved 2020-07-17.
  12. [12]
    "Deaf West's AMERICAN BUFFALO To Play Columbus this Fall". Broadway World. Archived from the original on 2020-07-17.
  13. [13]
    "New Deaf West and Fountain Theatre Coproduction of CYRANO Is Skillful and Impressive". LAist. 4 May 2020. Archived from the original on 2015-04-14.
  14. [14]
    "Deaf West's Big River Shines on Broadway as Roundabout Revival Opens". Playbill. 24 July 2003. Archived from the original on 2016-04-29.
  15. [15]
    "Deaf West presents 'Pippin'". Variety. 23 Jan 2009. Archived from the original on 2020-07-17.
  16. [16]
    "OLIVER! Deaf West Theatre's First-Ever Musical". Playbill. 12 May 2000. Archived from the original on 2020-07-17.
  17. [17]
    "Stella, Blanche and ASL". Los Angeles Times. 2 April 2000. Archived from the original on 2020-07-17.
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