Students from the Georgia School for the Deaf visited Berry College recently for a special showing of “Silent Sky.”
The play “Silent Sky”, which wrapped last week, follows pioneering astronomer Henrietta Leavitt, through her health complications including being hearing-impaired, family challenges and social limitations while highlighting her passion for science and ability to overcome obstacles.
Georgia School for the Deaf students were invited to the play to see that challenges, such as being hearing impaired, do not have to be a limitation. Interpreters were present to translate the play for the students. The students left the performance feeling inspired and were pleased to see that a hearing impaired individual was featured in production.
“I feel that it is an amazing opportunity to include deaf or hard of hearing characters in the performances,” noted Kenneth Kennedy, who is 16. “I think it is important to have positive and better exposure in people’s perspective on deafness and/or for those who have hearing loss. I am glad that there is more recognition on performances featuring deaf or hard of hearing characters.”
Berry student Lilly Gonzalez, who played Leavitt, said it was a challenge to practically and authentically play a hearing-impaired individual, but she felt honored to do so.
“I thought it was absolutely incredible to have an audience of mostly deaf students. I feel so lucky that we were able to do this show for them,” Gonzalez said. “Rehearsing with the interpreters was such an amazing experience. Once we took our bows, we looked up and saw the students signing applause, I am pretty sure each cast member started to cry. It was a truly beautiful moment.
“I think Henrietta’s story is one of great perseverance even in the face of countless obstacles. If you have something you are passionate about in this life, then nothing can get in your way. I really hope we conveyed that the sky truly is the limit, and though time may not always be our friend, we always have time to make a difference.”
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Public Relations Student Assistant Megan Benoit
