It can be hard for the deaf and hard of hearing to become engaged in theater. Sign language interpreters, though extremely helpful, do not allow deaf audience members to fully experience a show. South Plantation High School, one of the only schools to offer a program for the deaf, cast tradition aside to create a rendition of “The Crucible” that is truly one of a kind. The dark, witchcraft-filled production follows a series of deaf characters who are narrated in English, rather than the other way around.
“The Crucible” initially debuted on Broadway in 1953 and was written by Arthur Miller. Taking place in Salem, Massachusetts in the 1690’s, “The Crucible” tells a story about religion, sin, and justice. The play begins with a young woman, Betty, lying on the ground. It is assumed by the town that evil spirits are possessing Betty, and someone is to blame. People throughout the town are
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Once the lights dimmed and the theater went quiet, a man, hanging from a noose, fell to his death. When more characters begin to appear on stage, the scene seems chaotic and confusing. However, once the audience figures out who is voicing the characters and who is acting in sign language, the confusion began to fade.
The ensemble did an amazing job portraying their emotions through their body language and using American Sign Language confidently and fluently. The two speakers for the show, otherwise known as Voices of the Unheard were also phenomenal. It amazed me how Adam Ortega and Sierra Nixon were able to memorize every word in the play and transition from accent to accent seamlessly.
Abigail Williams, played by Kelly Walsh, is the main antagonist of “The Crucible”. She truly hit the nail on the head. Her emotion radiated off of her at all times, creating a stronger impression than any other character. Even when Abigail is not the center of attention, she is constantly emoting and reacting to the scene at