DEAF ACCESS - past productions

The Magical Piñata
Deaf Access Company, 2004-05
Book and Lyrics by Karen Zacarias
Music by Deborah Wicks LaPuma
Additional Music by Rachel and Henry Cross

Cucha thinks her birthday is ruined by the gift of an old clay pot. But the fun begins when she tries to give it back and instead gets lost in a mysterious Mexican jungle. There she meets an array of characters who teach her the importance of the pot—a piñata—which contains her country’s heritage. Cucha learns the secret of sharing and has her best birthday ever!


Tales from India
Deaf Access Company, 2003-04
Adapted by Willy Conley

Two Indian folktales presented in a highly visual production featuring sign language, blended spoken voice, traditional Indian music, dance, and shadow puppetry.


Pinocchio Commedia
Deaf Access Company, 2002-03
An adaptation of Carlo Collodi’s classic by Johnny Simons

Performers introduce audiences to Italian Commedia Dell’ Arte as well as spoken Italian and Italian Sign Language. Highlights include a larger-than-life size puppet dance, striking masks (both traditional and non-traditional), and fantastical costumes in the Italian Dell’ Arte style.

Click here to view an excerpt from the Italian story Pinocchio Commedia in which the puppet master introduces the theatre to Pinocchio through the use of his dancing marionettes. Performed in voice, signs, and dance. Signed Video Clips are supported in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education and the Verizon Foundation.


The Party in the Sky & Other Tales from Brazil
These three Brazilian Tales were adapted by Jim Marvin, and include The Party in the Sky directed by world renowned mime Antonio Rocha.

The performance incorporates several traditions from Brazilian culture, including Literatura de Cordel (“banners” that introduce the characters of the story to the audience). Costumes and headpieces are of the Brazilian style, and both Brazilian folk and samba dancing are included with traditional and modern Brazilian music. The performance also includes spoken Portuguese and LIBRAS. Folktales include: Sitio do Picapau Amarelo, Party in the Sky and Chimidyue’s Adventures.


The Magic Babushka & other Tales
Deaf Access Company 2001-02

The Magic Babushka
Based on the book by award-winning children's author Phyllis Limbacher Tildes

Nadia longs to create beautiful decorated eggs called pysanky, but the intricate patterns are too difficult for her weak eyes. One day she rescues Baba Babochka, the ancient butterfly woman. The grateful grandmother grants her one wish and gives her a magic scarf. But magic gifts are not always what they seem, and Nadia must learn to rely on her own inner gifts to fulfill her dreams. Although this is a story that takes place in Russia, it introduces the Ukrainian art of Pysanky to our audiences.

The Turnip
This well known children's folktale can be found at the local library in many versions. The version we are working with is written by Pierr Morgan.

Grandfather plants a turnip, and it grows to be the biggest turnip ever! He needs help from Grandmother, Granddaughter, a dog, a cat and finally a mouse to pull it out of the ground.

Click here to view an excerpt from the Russian folktale, The Turnip in which a family and their animals try to pull the giant Repka (turnip) out of the ground. Performed in mime only. Signed Video Clips are supported in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education and the Verizon Foundation.


The Firebird
The famous fairytale comes to life with a foolish Prince, a clever Wolf, and a magical Firebird. Follow Prince Ivan on his journey to save the Firebird, the Golden Horse and Princess Elena. This is a new adapted version appropriate for younger kids.


Tales from Japan
Adapted by Sally Bailey and Jim Marvin.

Six Japanese folktales come to life as the Deaf Access Company weaves together sign language and spoken voice with haiku poetry, music and dance. A special highlight of this production is the introduction to spoken Japanese and Japanese Sign Language. Folktales include: The Bee and the Dream, The Crain Maiden, Why the Sea is Salty, The Three Strong Women, Ooka and the Stolen Smell, and Momotaro: the Peach Boy.


Dragons: Travels Through the Far East
Adapted by Jim Marvin.

Three folktales drawn from the rich tradition of Chinese folk literature feature dragons, brave heroes and graceful heroines. The production uses huge fans, bamboo poles and tangram shapes in a highly theatrical style of presentation. A special highlight of this production is the introduction to spoken Mandarin and Chinese Sign Language. Folktales include: Everyone Knows What a Dragon Looks Like, Li Chi and the Day She Fought the Evil Dragon, and The Dragon Prince.


Adventures of Chadwick the Crab
Adapted by Sally Bailey from the book series by Priscilla Cummings

This is the story of how one little crab realizes two big dreams. Chadwick ventures from the Chesapeake Bay in order to become a "star" at the Baltimore Aquarium. But he does not forget the little fish back home. When pollution threatens their home, Chadwick and his friends unite to help save the Bay!

It Just Takes One
The third hour-long installment in USA Network's ongoing public service campaign, which received the Governors Award from the Academy of Arts and Sciences at the 1996 Emmy Awards. The movie celebrates the struggles of young people as they break through their isolation, their deafness, culture and class to connect with themselves and their peers.


Coyote and the Circle of Tales
Adapted by Jim Marvin.

Celebrate the "Circle of Courage" with the Deaf Access Company's production of four Native American folktales. The production features a handcrafted totem pole as the means for sharing these stories that come from a variety of rich Native American cultures across America. Folktales include: Coyote and Iya, The Story Rock, The Beaver and the Turtle, The Princess Who Became a Frog, and Coyote and the Blackbirds.