[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 72 (Thursday, May 26, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S6015]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             DEAF WEST THEATER PRODUCTION OF ``BIG RIVER''

 Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I recently had the pleasure of 
attending a truly unique theater production at Ford's Theater--a 
production that is a testament to the Positive impact of Federal 
funding of the arts. The Deaf West Theater production of Big River: The 
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, in conjunction with the Roundabout 
Theater Company and the Mark Taper Forum, utilizes American Sign 
Language and a cast of hearing and deaf actors working seamlessly 
together to, tell this classic Mark Twain story. The exceptional 
quality of this production was recognized with a 2004 Tony Honor for 
Excellence in the Theater.
  This production of Big River is a superb example of how the 
performing arts can lead by example, in this case, by offering a 
dramatic example of people who bridge the gap between the deaf and 
hearing communities. Deaf and hearing actors are an integral part of 
the show. Deaf and hearing audiences have an equal opportunity to enjoy 
the production. And the perspective of deaf culture is seamlessly 
integrated into the performance.
  Federal funding was critical in achieving these important goals. 
Authorization for grant funding of deaf theater has been in Federal 
law, in one form or another, since 1967. In the case of the current 
production of Big River, grants from the U.S. Department of Education's 
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services supported the 
training of deaf actors in the show, allowed the production to reach 
national audiences through touring, and helped to fund educational 
outreach.
  I understand that our distinguished majority leader, Senator Frist, 
recently saw the production, and was as dazzled by it as I was. So I 
encourage all of our colleagues, their families, and staffs to go see 
Big River, which will be at Ford's Theater until June 4. And I also 
encourage my colleagues to join with me in working to restore funding 
to keep Deaf West's work alive for audiences in the future.

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