Deaf performer engages audience without a word
Lauren Lundeen
Issue date: 11/18/09 Section: Variety
On Nov. 13, something different happened in Bohannon 90. There was a performance done in American Sign Language (ASL) with a voice interpreter; not your typical performance. Sitting in that filled room, I watched Nic Zapko tell her story of growing up using ASL through a performance entitled A Look in the Mirror: The Memoir of a Deaf Performer.
Zapko was born deaf into a family that was all hearing except for her eldest brother. Her story was about how she had to overcome many struggles, and found hope and redemption. It was a very empowering story shared through her voice interpreter, Patty Gordon.
Now, I understand very little ASL. I know the sign for octopus, hungry, most letters of the alphabet, plus a few more, all thanks to a few of my friends who are fluent in it. Even though I know barely any ASL, it was fascinating to watch Zapko perform completely ASL. Zapko was so animated and engaging that for the first time while sitting in a classroom, I didn't once look at the clock.
The performance was sponsored in large part by Access for All (AFA). AFA promotes awareness throughout campus and the community, and helped get the Deaf Studies minor back in 2008. AFA peer advisor Kristy Seaver was thrilled about the event.
"I'm really excited to have this as an opportunity for students. It's a different performance, done in sign language and interpreted in voice. It's a big aspect because we've never done anything like this before," Seaver said.
Penny Cragun, director of UMD Disability Resources, was also excited about Zapko's performance. "You get a better appreciation for ASL and insides into the deaf culture; each person is an individual," she said.
Zapko's performance inspired not just the deaf community but also everyone that was there. While most people are out Friday nights with friends, going around town or watching movies inside, I wasn't. I was sitting in that large Bohannon 90 room watching Zapko tell her story and loved every minute of it.
Zapko was born deaf into a family that was all hearing except for her eldest brother. Her story was about how she had to overcome many struggles, and found hope and redemption. It was a very empowering story shared through her voice interpreter, Patty Gordon.
Now, I understand very little ASL. I know the sign for octopus, hungry, most letters of the alphabet, plus a few more, all thanks to a few of my friends who are fluent in it. Even though I know barely any ASL, it was fascinating to watch Zapko perform completely ASL. Zapko was so animated and engaging that for the first time while sitting in a classroom, I didn't once look at the clock.
The performance was sponsored in large part by Access for All (AFA). AFA promotes awareness throughout campus and the community, and helped get the Deaf Studies minor back in 2008. AFA peer advisor Kristy Seaver was thrilled about the event.
"I'm really excited to have this as an opportunity for students. It's a different performance, done in sign language and interpreted in voice. It's a big aspect because we've never done anything like this before," Seaver said.
Penny Cragun, director of UMD Disability Resources, was also excited about Zapko's performance. "You get a better appreciation for ASL and insides into the deaf culture; each person is an individual," she said.
Zapko's performance inspired not just the deaf community but also everyone that was there. While most people are out Friday nights with friends, going around town or watching movies inside, I wasn't. I was sitting in that large Bohannon 90 room watching Zapko tell her story and loved every minute of it.
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