JACKSON HEIGHTS, NY--(Marketwired - Oct 13, 2015) - Renowned Deaf poets and storytellers from across the United States are converging Oct. 16, at 7 p.m., and Oct. 17, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., to perform their works at the Lexington School for the Deaf, in Jackson Heights, N.Y. Deaf literary legends, including Patrick Graybill, Mario Hernandez, Ella Mae Lentz and Ben Bahan will join younger artists, such as Colin Analco, Douglas Ridloff, Rose Ann Goodman, Casandra Simmons, Ian Sanborn and Ben Jarashow. All works will be performed in American Sign Language (ASL) with vocal interpreters provided. This event will be one of the largest gatherings of Deaf people in the New York and New Jersey areas this year. Sorenson Communications®, www.svrs.com, the leading provider of Video Relay Service (VRS) for people who are deaf and use sign language to communicate, is organizing and sponsoring the events.
Dave Johnson, Sorenson vice president of outreach says, "Sorenson is pleased to bring this level of artistry to the Deaf community in the New York and New Jersey areas. These performers are masters of their craft and, like Sorenson Communications, are dedicated to promoting and protecting the beautiful language of ASL. The response from the local community has been overwhelming."
Poetry and stories performed in ASL are a centuries-old Deaf tradition that combine signed words, body language, facial expression and acting technique to provide a unique visual experience. Some skilled ASL artists are able to create "visual vernacular," or "VV," which requires using movie-like special effects with facial and body movements and expression while signing the story. Viewers may feel as though they are watching long or close-up shots, fast and slow motion to speed up or slow down the story, panoramic views and views from different angles. Story and poetry content at the performances will range from dramatic to comedic. There is no cost for tickets. Doors will open to the public approximately one hour before the performance begins.
The Lexington School for the Deaf is located at 30th Ave. and 75th Street, Jackson Heights, N.Y.
About Sorenson Communications
Sorenson Communications® is a provider of industry-leading communications products and services for the deaf. The company's offerings include Sorenson Video Relay Service® (SVRS®), the highest-quality video interpreting service; the Sorenson ntouch® VP videophone, designed especially for use by deaf individuals; ntouch® PC, software that connects users to SVRS by using a PC and webcam; ntouch® for Mac®, software that connects users to SVRS by using an Apple® computer; ntouch® Tablet, which turns the Apple iPad® with a front-facing camera into a larger-screen mobile VP; and ntouch® Mobile, an application empowering SVRS communication via mobile devices.
Disclaimer
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