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A Black woman poses in front of a yellow wall and bright green plants. She leans on her hand and wears gold hoops and all black.

Ashlea Hayes

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Grant Recipient

Deaf Austin Theatre

Ashlea Hayes

Location
Austin, TX
Digital Presence
Artist Website
Project Title
Ghari Moves Without Permission
Fiscal Year Awarded
2025
Grant or Program
National Theater Project Creation & Touring Grant
Grant Amount
$120,000

Ghari Moves Without Permission is a powerful production that follows Ghari Constance Sorrell, a vibrant 30ish Black DeafBlind woman navigating life, love, and the challenges of a world not designed for her. Using ASL, Protactile Language, and her cane “Alice,” Ghari overcomes physical and societal barriers, while building her support system and fully embracing her intersectional identity. Created by Deaf Austin Theatre, the production masterfully blends ASL, Protactile language, movement, and sensory experiences, immersing audiences in Ghari's unique journey. The show challenges stereotypes about disability, celebrates individuality, and promotes vital representation for Black DeafBlind individuals. Through her deeply personal story, viewers are invited to broaden their perspectives, embrace diversity, and rethink societal norms. Following its premiere in Austin, the show will tour multiple cities across the U.S., raising awareness about the DeafBlind experience.

Land Acknowledgement: Sana, Nʉmʉnʉʉ Sookobitʉ (Comanche), Ndé Kónitsąąíí Gokíyaa (Lipan Apache), Coahuiltecan, Tonkawa, Jumanos

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