September 19, 2021 - 14:24
I mentioned Spring Awakening by the Dear West Theater company last week and I wanted to share more about it for this assignment because I think that it is a positive depiction of disability. I think that it resists the dominant rhetoric of disability because of the way it unites hearing and non-hearing people. Every member of the cast signs in unison. This advertisement for the musical shows a cohesive unit of people. No one is seen as better or worse for their ability. They are all extremely talented individuals who are making art. I think that this unity between the cast distances the show from the pity narrative. Some may percieve this as inspring but I think that the common solidarity between the actors shows a changing narrative.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0RSqI0677c
I also included this clip because I thought it was really interesting! It goes over the process of how they made the musical. I highly recommend!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcRREvQyl54&t=286s