by Don Nguyen
co-directed w/ Howie Seago
Azeotrope / ACT Theatre, Seattle, WA

Scenic: Adam Zopfi-Hulse | Costumes: Christine Tschirgi | Lighting: Jessica Trundy | Sound: Mariah Brougher | Video: AJ Epstein

PRESS

“Before the show began at ACT’s Bullitt Cabaret, the theatre filled with the low-level cacophony of slamming fists and slaps as signed conversation filled the air, and afterward there were as much sparkling signed applause as there were the echoing sound of claps. Sound is a beautiful work, special because of what it accomplishes but also what it is. The greatness lies in Nguyen’s story and the direction by Chiang and Seago, and in successfully showing a future of deaf theatre that could work and should work for all audiences. It’s a rare moment when hopes for inclusion don’t over-correct, but in this case Sound hit a perfect tone.”
— Cat McCarrey, City Arts Magazine

“Directors Desdemona Chiang and Howie Seago smartly and seamlessly integrate various modes of translation, using other actors to speak the ASL lines or projected supertitles to ensure both deaf and hearing audience members can understand…Azeotrope’s production rejects theatrical complacency and embraces a compelling storytelling hybrid that welcomes in an underserved population.”
— Dusty Somers, Blog Critics

“…a remarkable, and, probably for most people, an unforgettable theatrical experience… This is a sophisticated exploration of broken families, modern teens, and, of course, the many conflicting concepts about deafness and the treatment of Deaf people within the lager society… incredibly good acting in a powerful play on a subject that is rarely ever addressed in theatre, and is accessible to both hearing and Deaf audiences. Don’t miss it.”
— Nancy Worssam, Arts Stage Seattle Rage

“Sound boldly dares to stage a Deaf Theater piece, something rarely done even in culturally open Seattle, and manages to do so with great success blending a variety of different kinds of actors, including hearing actors, deaf actors who only sign, and deaf actors who also speak, into a fully integrated and fascinating show.”
— Michael Strangeways, Seattle Gay Scene

“Chiang and Seago deserve high praise for their graceful accommodation of a bilingual audience. Well-placed interpreters and projected titles convey dialogue in ASL and spoken English. It is all clearly arranged, and gives voice to everyone in a cast of talented deaf and hearing actors.”
— Misha Berson, Seattle Times