Contrary to common belief, American Sign Language (ASL) is not a universal language. Every country in the world has its own signed language, just as every country has its own spoken language. It is not coded English or simply 'spelling words in the air'. ASL is a distinct, officially-recognised language with its own grammar, syntax, vocabulary, and idiomatic expressions. Although ASL is not derived from English, it can represent any concept in the English language. Proper nouns, names, and places can be 'fingerspelled' using the ASL or manual alphabet consisting of 26 different hand shapes that represent each letter of the English alphabet. ASL is a visual-gestural language which incorporates facial expression, body language, and inflection, and is the fourth most commonly used language in North America. ASL is the preferred language of people who consider themselves "culturally" Deaf (with a capital 'D').

The role of the interpreter is to facilitate communication between people who use ASL and the hearing world which uses spoken language. Until the late 1960s, people who interpreted for the Deaf tended to be friends, family or clergy, generally someone who knew the Deaf person and volunteered to help them communicate with the hearing world. Today, interpreting is a profession, governed by a strict Code of Ethics which was developed through the collaboration of interpreters and the Deaf community. This Code includes a high level of skill, confidentiality, impartiality, and professional standards. Interpreters typically take an intensive three- to four-year college training program to learn sign language and the skills required for the process of interpreting from English to ASL and ASL to English. As part of their training, interpreting students actively involve themselves in the Deaf community, learning ASL and the cultural values important to Deaf people.

Donna Deacon and Hannah Slade will be signing for the Friday, October 10 evening and Saturday, October 11 matinee shows.

DONNA DEACON, a professional interpreter for twelve years, has worked in a variety of community and educational settings from K-12 to college and university. She loves being involved in theatre, onstage and off, and recently returned to acting in TheatreOne's Emerging Voices series. Donna enjoys life on Gabriola Island with her partner Garry.

HANNAH SLADE has been professionally interpreting for two years in the college/university, community, and theatrical settings. Combining interpreting with her own theatre involvement, her passion now lies in ensuring equal access for Deaf and Hard of Hearing audiences. Hannah hopes that Chemainus Theatre's first ASL interpreted production will set a precedent for future arts/cultural events to include ASL interpretations and/or include Deaf/Hard of Hearing actors.