When the lights go down and the curtains rise at Sinclair’s Blair Hall Theatre this December, audiences discover not just a holiday play, but a celebration of community, culture and inclusion.
The production “‘Twas: A Holiday Musical” tells a heartwarming story of pets left at home over the holidays discovering that though humans celebrate in different ways, love and togetherness are what matter most.
What makes this performance especially unique though, is the use of ASL shadow performers. These interpreters do not stand off to the side but move alongside the actors, bringing sign language and spoken dialogue together on one stage.
This kind of interpretation gives deaf or hard-of-hearing audience members a fully integrated experience so they do not have to choose between reading translations and watching the action.
Since rehearsals began at the end of October, she said the collaboration between the theatre department and the interpreter-education program has been “fabulous to watch.”
Director Kelsey Celek explains why she wanted to bring this show to life.
“It’s part of the area holiday tradition here on campus,” she said. “I am the second person to be the director but I’m very grateful for that opportunity.”
For her, the chance to weave accessibility into a beloved seasonal tradition was too good to pass up.
This year is particularly meaningful because the playwright is her mother.
“Patti is my mom,” Celek said. “I’ve read many drafts of this script as she planned it and we haven’t had the chance to work together like this before. She writes, I direct. It’s been really fun and I’m proud.”
Celek hopes that audiences leave the play with a renewed sense of community and belonging. She believes that seeing the characters come from different backgrounds, cultures and traditions but still being curious and excited to learn about each other and become friends is a powerful message for anyone to hear.
Cormari Pullings plays Big Red, one of the show’s beloved dogs and is also an understudy to Kia, the cat. She was candid about the challenges.
“At first, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into,” she said.
Big Red, as Pullings explains, is an African dog whose humans celebrate Kwanzaa.
“I found that I’m actually a small dog with a big bark, but I’m sweet,” Pullings said.
Cheyenne “Chey” Reumann is one of the shadow interpreters. She translates and embodies multiple characters. Big Red, The Squirrel and Mouse #1. She does this by shadowing their movements and expressions on stage.
“This is one of the first shows I’ve heard of using shadow interpreting,” Reumann said. “It’s not common. Interpreters are usually off to the side.”
For Reumann, the goal is not just translating words but matching movement, attitude and personality.
“I’m trying to get more comfortable with the acting side of things,” Reumann said. “Big Red and The Squirrel both have attitude. I want to match that.”
Reumann says this experience has pushed her out of her comfort zone but in the best way.
“I catch myself being silly, and it becomes part of the performance. The director’s been super supportive,” Reumann said.
More than that, she believes this approach makes theatre more inclusive for everyone. In a typical production, interpreters off-stage mean deaf audience members often have to choose between watching the action and standing by the interpreter. With shadow interpreting, both hearing and deaf audience members can follow the story seamlessly from anywhere in the house.
In a season often defined by hustle and bustle, “‘Twas: A Holiday Musical” offers a different kind of gift: a reminder that the stage is for everyone. Whether a student grew up celebrating Christmas, Kwanzaa or nothing at all, there is a seat for them, lights to watch and a story to become immersed in.
Do not miss this holiday treat–accessible, inclusive and full of heart.
Maliya Ayambire, staff writer