COMING UP

This new adaptation of Joseph Moncure March’s iconic 1926 poem THE WILD PARTY aims to create a world in which authentically- represented Deaf and signing dancers lead the audience on a musical, textural, gestural journey through the seedy underbelly of the Deaf community during the Prohibition Era of the Roaring 1920’s.  Featuring a new score by rising star Tamar-kali, reframes THE WILD PARTY within the 1990's vaudeville scene (SF/LA/NYC) and its consistent connection to carnie culture, which was punctuated by punk sensibilities, electronic grooves and alt rock arias. Most importantly, it was populated by brilliant weirdos who were pushing the boundaries of mainstream popular culture in major ways.

The scope of this project encompasses a series of in-person workshops and choreographic sessions, live musical accompaniment, haptics technology, real-time subtitling, livestream video and an emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion, particularly within the Deaf and dance communities.  Featuring a cast and creative team that is 50% Deaf.  Led by Brandon Kazen-Maddox, the project received both the Creative Capital Award and the NEFA National Dance Production Grant.   

THE ASL WILD PARTY

BRANDON KAZEN-MADDOX : (FREEDOM)

(FREEDOM) traces the poignant journey of Brandon Kazen-Maddox, a Black, Queer, Hearing child born into a white, Deaf world. Raised as a Grandchild of Deaf Adults (GODA) whose first language is American Sign Language, Brandon tells their own story through a transformative fusion of American Sign Language, spoken word, music, aerial arts, and ASL dance theater. In (FREEDOM), Brandon - joined by a cast and creative team as diverse and inclusive as the story itself - vividly portrays their tireless quest for belonging amidst the Deaf and Hearing communities, and their unyielding courage to confront and transcend the racist, ableist landscape of their hometown of Vancouver, WA and beyond. (FREEDOM) explores how our personal expression through language contributes to our essential sense of self and what it means to have a language that cannot be taken away.

RECEPIENT: Mertz-Gillmore Foundation Grant, ArtYARD Residency

Director: KEVIN NEWBURY

Producers: LESLIE STIFLEMAN & MELISSA RAE MAHON