Written and performed by Joe Friedman
The Roost May 30 and 31, 6 30 pm. June 1 2:30 pm
CODA – Children Of Deaf Adults
The movie CODA won three Oscars. But it was fiction. This summer, experience the true story of growing up as a hearing child with deaf parents. Parents who didn’t sign. Parents who insisted on having a telephone, even though they couldn’t hear it ring. Parents who used being deaf as an excuse not to listen.
What was it like growing up with parents who couldn’t hear?
You’ll discover in this fascinating autobiographical show. Joe takes us from being the kid who navigated the hearing world for his parents to a lucky escape from a face-off with the Chicago police (not recommended!) through to a life-changing appointment with one of his most challenging patients, who regularly drove Joe mad, but eventually taught him what it was to truly hear.
For Joe, growing up with deaf parents drove a lifelong desire to connect with others. It led him to become a successful psychotherapist and an acclaimed children’s author, to explore improvisation and do stand-up comedy. Ultimately it led to Deaf Ears.
Performing Deaf Ears
It’s a real act of courage to start a whole new career as a solo performer, taking the starring role in your own life story, just when most people are thinking of retiring.
Joe smashes this change of direction. He proves to be an enchanting storyteller, captivating his audiences by taking them into an unfamiliar world on a journey that is moving, amusing and full of unexpected illumination.
Deaf Ears premiered last year and was an immediate success, selling out and being nominated for awards. It featured on BBC Radio 4’s ‘Four Thought’.
“Highly recommended show. Spellbinding storytelling.” Fringe Review
Finalist, Standing Ovation Awards. Pub Theatre Review
