MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — MTSU Theatre performers are becoming bilingual
for their March 1-4 production, “The
Taste of Sunrise,” creating an eloquent and multifaceted presentation that
incorporates American Sign Language into the story of a man’s adventure-filled
life.
“The show is beautifully written for both English and ASL. It’s about
people who need and want to connect and a culture that makes it difficult,”
explains director Jette Halladay, an
MTSU Theatre professor whose own adventures with students have taken her around
the world to share stories through drama, comedy, music and art.
“It’s about people who, in an effort to help, make choices that hurt.
And it’s about forgiving, reaching out and being willing to persist in forging
bonds that last through the difficult times. Ultimately, it reminds us we are
never alone. We are supported and connected in unseen ways.”
Curtain times in the university’s Tucker Theatre are 7:30 p.m.
Thursday-Saturday, March 1-3, and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 4. Advance tickets,
available at http://www.mtsuarts.com,
are $10 general admission and $5 for seniors 55 and older and K-12 students. MTSU
students will be admitted free with a current ID.
The award-winning play by Susan Zeder is set in the 1920s and follows a
deaf man called Tuc, portrayed by MTSU junior theatre major Robbie Ramirez, as he recalls the
adventures, discoveries and people met along his life’s journey.
“So far every rehearsal has been rewarding,” says Halladay. “I’m moved
to laughter and tears and gratitude. This is a remarkable script with honest
and engaging actors.”
Ramirez and his fellow cast members have spent the last several months
learning American Sign Language and noticing the differences between it and
spoken English. Dr. Angela Scruggs,
a counselor at AGAPE Nashville who
works with clients with hearing impairments, and some members of the deaf
community also have worked with the “Taste of Sunrise” cast and crew to help
them learn more about the population.
"ASL has an amazing way of communicating everything you need in
just a few simple gestures," Ramirez says. "I hope this show will
inspire a few people to pick up some basic ASL so that they can communicate
with a wonderful group of amazing people."
Characters in the show who use sign language have
"interpreters" to speak their lines, creating an opportunity for both
the cast and the audience to understand both languages. The performances also
will feature two screens with closed-captioning in Tucker Theatre.
The production features scenic, light, and costume designs by MTSU
Theatre and Dance faculty Scott Boyd,
Darren Levin and Audrey Reed, respectively.
Tickets also will be available at the Tucker Theatre box office one hour
before curtain times. For more information about the show, visit http://www.mtsuarts.com.
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