Academics

ISM, conceived and directed by Michelle Banks, E-’89, is a collection of monologues by BIPOC Deaf individuals dealing with audism, ableism, racism, and other “-isms” in their lives. With a cast of Antines Davis, E-’91, Tricia Wenda Alleyne, ’02, Alberto Sifuentes, ’19, Stella Antonio, ’93, and Mervin Primeaux-O’Bryant, the conception of ISM was inspired by actual events within the Deaf and hard of hearing communities, where BIPOC have encountered systemic racism and social injustice based on the color of their skin, gender identity, disability, and more. 

This play highlights the actors’ life experiences of oppression and discrimination before and during the Black Lives Matter movement, and during the pandemic. VOCA’s goal is to help make positive change by sharing their stories and finding solutions to societal issues. In ISM, it would allow the actors to be the “voice” of social change.

All individuals that attend a performance at the Atlas Performing Arts Center must be fully vaccinated. Children under 12 years of age and patrons with a medical condition or closely-held religious belief that prevents vaccination must provide proof of a recent negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to entering the theater for admittance to an indoor performance.

This production will be performed in American Sign Language and spoken English. Pro-Tactile and ASL interpreting for Deafblind patrons is available upon request.

Learn more about Visionaries of the Creative Arts (VOCA) at their website. Buy tickets for ISM at the Atlas Performing Arts Center website!

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