Last night I had the pleasure of seeing a unique and entertaining production of Pippin at the Mark Taper Forum here in Los Angeles, which used sign language and singing to tell the 1970’s classic story of self discovery.  Having worked with hearing-impaired actors in the past, I know that more productions that offer roles for deaf actors are always welcome and also provide an eye-opening education for hearing audiences.  An ambitious and admirable collaboration between the Center Theater Group and Deaf West Theatre, the production cast several of the key roles with hearing-impaired actors who sign and hearing actors who sing and sign.  Many of the roles were doubled, with one actor signing what another was signing, and in the case of Pippin the convention creates a divided and at times conflicted personality.

Unfortunately, this production of Pippin closes this weekend, but if you’re in LA, definitely go check it out.

And takepart by supporting and learning more about Deaf West Theatre.