Description:
100 Years of Darkness tells the story of Deaf students in the 1880s subjected to cruel experiments aimed at eradicating their language and culture. The play interrogates the impacts of the historical sign language ban, a policy that attempted to suppress Deaf identity and isolate the community from its cultural roots.
As an actor in this production, Ebony R. Gooden brought depth and authenticity to the narrative, helping to convey the emotional toll of language deprivation and the resilience of the Deaf community. This powerful story challenges audiences to confront the history of linguistic and cultural oppression while celebrating the enduring strength of Deaf identity.
Production Highlights:
- Themes: Language deprivation, cultural resilience, historical oppression.
- Language: Performed in American Sign Language (ASL) and English.
- Accessibility: Fully accessible to Deaf and hearing audiences, bridging cultural gaps through the power of storytelling.
Performance Details:
- Inside Out Theatre Production (2023): Performed live in Calgary, Alberta.
- SOUND OFF Festival (2023): Digital performance available on-demand during the festival period, March 28–April 2, 2023.
About the Playwright:
Landon Krentz is a Deaf playwright and advocate for linguistic and cultural preservation. Through his work, he brings Deaf history to life, fostering deeper understanding and appreciation for the Deaf community’s struggles and triumphs.
Sponsors and Support:
- Supported by Inside Out Theatre and SOUND OFF Festival.
- Funded in part by arts grants promoting accessible theatre.
Team:
Written by Landon Krentz
Directed by Jules Dameron & Karen Johnson Diamond
Starring: Ebony Gooden, Mustafa Alabssi, Jules Dameron, Brian Jensen, and Conrad Belau
Lighting & Set Design by Alison Yanota
Sound Design by Thomas Geddes
Stage Managed by Meredith Johnson
ASL Coaching by Wanda Warkentin
Intimacy Direction by Ellen Close
Fight Direction by Jeffery Olynek
Produced by Camille Craig & Inside Out Theatre
