November 1 – 17

The captivating Deaf BIPOC Solo Shows II features the powerful solo performances of three Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing (HoH) BIPOC individuals, recounting their unique life experiences from the perspective of the Deaf BIPOC community.
Each show is directed by a talented Deaf/DeafBlind/HoH BIPOC director. Mark your calendar for three impactful weekends in November 2024, as each solo performer takes the stage from Friday through Sunday. The performances will be presented in American Sign Language (ASL) and spoken English, ensuring an enriching experience for both Deaf/DeafBlind/HoH and hearing audiences.
November 1-3
Flip the Table by Ashlea Hayes and directed by Najma Johnson             
A powerful narrative about challenging and dismantling societal stereotypes about DeafBlind people.
November 8-10
Deaf Alien Babe Goes to Hollywood! by Sabina England and directed by Mervin Primeaux-O’Bryant
A solo comedy featuring dancing, colorful videos, slideshows, and humorous anecdotes about Hollywood, race, ufology, and identity issues.
November 15-17
Me & My 3 Girls by Christopher Smith and directed by Antoine Hunter
A touching story of three dynamic singers, Lena Horne, Billie Holiday, and Dinah Washington, who significantly impact Christopher’s life as they go on a journey of self-discovery.
More information about each show, please go to www.vocarts.org/deaf-bipoc-solo-shows-2024
Ages 18+
Content Warnings: Mild swearing, mild violence, mild grief

 

MEET THE CAST

Ashlea Hayes
Ashlea was born and raised in Compton, CA. Stemming from her love storyelling, Ashlea developed an interest in acting and theatre at the young age of 3. After joining Freeform’s Switched At Birth in 2011,  Ashlea was granted her SAG-AFTRA memberbship. Most recently Ashlea appeared as “Rosa” in Season 24 of NBC’s crime drama, Law and Order: SVU. A self-proclaimed “Black Theatre Kid” with passion for their community, Ashlea  proudly advocates for Deaf/Deaf+ representation and effective inclusion. Ashlea joined the famed DeafWest Theatre in 2022, portraying Tireseas (DeafBlind oracle) in their production of Oedpius at the Getty Villa. This was the first time that DeafWest theatre incorporated  DeafBlind culture, as well as, PT (Pro-Tactile) communication. Ashlea later joined Deaf Austin Theatre’s award winning production of  “The Laramie Project”. Soon after, Ashlea joined VOCA playing “Charlyn” in their production of “A Not So Quiet Nocturne”. When she isn’t teaching, out working in the community, or working on an upcoming project, you can catch Ashlea trying out a new recipe.

 

Sabina England
Sabina England is a filmmaker, playwright and poet-performer who studied at London Film Academy and some of her plays were produced in London, UK at venues such as: Soho Theatre, Theatre Royal Stratford East, Tristan Bates Theatre, etc. Sabina won a Jury Award for her short sign-language poetry video “Deaf Brown Girl” at Lady Filmmakers Film Festival in Los Angeles. In addition, her short films screened in New York City, London, Delhi, Toronto, Los Angeles, and other cities around the world. Sabina is a performer who has created shows using burlesque, dancing, sign language poetry, and comedy. She performed at DEAF Nation, Mata Expo, Bay Area International Deaf Dance Festival, New York International Fringe Festival, Tucson Fringe Festival, Subcontinental Drift, among others. Sabina manages and curates the deaf poetry program for REEL Poetry International Film Festival in Houston, Texas. Sabina is honored and thrilled to premiere Deaf Alien Babe Goes to Hollywood! at Atlas Theater and she humbly thanks Michelle Banks and VOCA for giving her a stage to perform! You can check her Instagram at: @Sabina_England.

 

Christopher Smith
Deaf since birth, Chicago born Christopher Smith began studying dance in high school. Since then, Christopher has pursued a career as a dancer, choreographer,  and actor.  As an actor, Christopher has worked with The National Theatre of the Deaf, the Sunshine Too Theatre Company, Deaf West Theatre, Centerlight Theatre,  Chicago Dramatists’ Workshop, and the Intiman Theater in Seattle, Washington and Urban Jazz Dance Company as a guest artist in San Francisco His work in film includes Compensation starring Michelle A. Banks and It Takes The Light To Make The City. Christopher is so proud to work with Michelle Banks again to bring you ME AND MY 3 GIRLS. As a dancer he has worked with The Joseph Holmes School of Dance, Joel Hall of Performing Arts, Dance Space, The American Deaf Dance Theatre Company, and the Gallaudet University Dance Company. Christopher also performed with the national and international Wild Zappers, noted for being an all-male, all-Deaf, African-American dance company. Christopher considers the highlight of his work in dance to be his work with the Dayton Institute of the Arts. Mr. Smith is possibly best known for his work as the choreographer for Deaf Side Story, a bilingual musical production. Christopher received a Contribution to the Dance World Award from the Chicago Park District for his work on this production.