Easter play presented in sign language

From: Amarillo Globe News, TX - Apr 15, 2003

By DON MUNSCH
dmunsch@amarillonet.com

"The Passion," a movie scheduled to be released next year, will tell the story of Jesus Christ's last hours in two dead languages: Latin and Aramaic. And director Mel Gibson plans to tell the story without subtitles.

"Jesus Christ Superstar," continuing at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and Friday at Metropolitan Community Church, 2123 S. Polk St., also tells the story of Christ using unique communication: American Sign Language. Admission is free to the play, which began Sunday.

Play director Dr. Carol Kiesling said each of the cast members learned their parts in ASL.

"The sign language seems to bring a lot of meaning to (the play)," she said.

Music plays while characters sign their lines. Kiesling said 12 people comprise the cast, which includes children. The play features one deaf cast member - Eddie DeLuna, Kiesling's husband - who plays Peter.

"I'm hoping they'll all be blessed by" the play and that and their eyes will opened by it, said Rolla Fisher, who plays Jesus.

Kiesling said the play has the essential components for the Easter season.

For more information on the play, call the church at 372-4557.

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