My overall impression
I’ve seen a few ASL theater production in the past and it is quite a different experience to watch ASL for hearing people. Your brain kind of splits because you are watching and hearing a language and at the same time you are also watching the production, not just the sign language.
This production started out a bit confusing to me because of my brain splitting in half, trying to read and hear the two languages at the same time as well as figuring out who is who (deaf actors had their speaking “shadows” and hearing actors were speaking english and signing at the same time). However, it didn’t take too long to be sucked into the play and by the time the hour was over, I was emotionally exhausted and wanted to cry, I was so touched by the performance.
While the play is still in experimental mode, the parts are played terrific by hearing as well as deaf actors! I was really moved by the acting and the interpretation of the old Bard’s play. I highly recommend this play to anybody hearing as well as deaf. You will be taken on a ride, that’s guaranteed!
