{"id":149506,"date":"2025-08-16T03:34:08","date_gmt":"2025-08-16T03:34:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/149506\/"},"modified":"2025-08-16T03:34:08","modified_gmt":"2025-08-16T03:34:08","slug":"variety-show-unites-deaf-and-hearing-communities-in-dallas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/149506\/","title":{"rendered":"Variety show unites Deaf and hearing communities in Dallas"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Dallas-based Prism Movement Theater<\/a><\/strong> is reimagining what accessible performance can look like with its upcoming 258 (Very Interesting) Deaf Variety Show, a cabaret-style celebration of Deaf performers, Deaf culture, and visually captivating art forms.<\/p>\n

Directed by Alix Gavin, Rebekah Covington, and Jeffrey Colangelo, the show promises an evening of dance, circus, clowning, fire performance, and ASL poetry, all intentionally designed with Deaf audiences in mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor years, we\u2019ve had the feeling that Prism\u2019s unique approach to wordless theater would work excellently for the needs of Deaf audiences,\u201d says Colangelo, Prism\u2019s artistic director. \u201cAfter collaborating with Deaf artists Rebekah Covington and Alix Gavin, we discovered we had the chance to create something that didn\u2019t just make theater accessible, but truly centered Deaf experiences.\u201d<\/p>\n

That focus drives every element of 258. Too often, Colangelo explains, \u201cDeaf-accessible\u201d productions require audiences to glance away from the action to watch an interpreter, an arrangement that can cause them to miss pivotal moments. This time, the interpreters aren\u2019t off to the side translating for Deaf audiences. Instead, they\u2019re there for the hearing crowd, translating a show that is performed entirely in ASL and visually rich movement.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith our upcoming Deaf Variety Show, we\u2019ve designed the performances so the audience will never have to turn away from the action to enjoy it,\u201d Colangelo says. \u201cASL becomes the movement art we focus on, with our hosts, Alix and Rebekah, speaking entirely in ASL to introduce the acts. It\u2019s truly a show designed by Deaf artists for Deaf audiences.\u201d<\/p>\n

Still, hearing audiences are more than welcome. \u201cWe highly encourage them to attend as well,\u201d Colangelo adds. \u201cThey\u2019ll get to immerse themselves in Deaf culture, while enjoying a night filled with poetry, fire, clowning, and circus.\u201d<\/p>\n

The show\u2019s name \u2014 258 \u2014 comes from ASL slang meaning \u201cvery interesting.\u201d It\u2019s an apt descriptor for a production where every act, from Deaf dancer Kenjuto Jerome to Deaf comedian Sabrina Mercado, has been curated for maximum visual and cultural impact. Clowns Shanthany Wilkerson and Jonah Gutierrez bring physical comedy into the mix, while the glow of candlelight and the intimacy of the cabaret format create a communal atmosphere.<\/p>\n

Performances will take place at multiple Dallas venues:<\/p>\n