In the Now

theater

Terrylene has appeared in Deaf West Theatre's version of A Streetcar Named Desire on stage, TV shows Beauty and the Beast and ER, and films including Natural Born Killers. She's also a recognized activist for the hearing impaired. Now, she's telling her own story of growing up fourth-generation deaf in a house with an abusive stepfather. In the Now combines poetry in American Sign Language and monologue, accompanied by voice translation, captioning and live music. It tells the story of her evolution from an abused 6-year-old to a 30-year-old successful mother and artist. The production is also a benefit for Creative Access, an organization that helps local theaters and performing arts groups make their productions more accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences. Before Terrylene's performance, Creative Access will present three organizations -- Walnut Street Theatre, Amaryllis and Philadelphia Theatre Company -- with the 2004 Accessibility Beyond the Ramp awards to recognize their efforts in incorporating aids for the deaf and hard of hearing into their performances. (Amaryllis is a theater company that presents work specifically by and for those with disabilities.) Henri David will co-emcee the event with an ASL-using host.

In the Now, Sat., May 15, 6-10 p.m., $75 (includes cocktail hour and dessert reception), Gershman Y, 401 S. Broad St., 215-569-8311.

—Lori Hill

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