Anita Hollander has performed throughout Europe, Asia & US, at Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, London’s West End, NY Shakespeare Festival, Goodman Theatre & White House. A Helen Hayes Award nominee, her solo musicals Still Standing and Spectacular Falls, have played Off-Broadway, nationally & internationally. Other Theatre work includes Ragtime, CATS (Grizabella). On TV she’s Guest Starred on Welcome To Flatch & FBI: Most Wanted. Film work includes Handsome Harry, Musical Chairs. SAG-AFTRA National Chair, Performers With Disabilities.
Rachel Hollander is not only an ordained Interfaith/InterSpiritual minister but also a versatile professional, excelling as a speaker, teacher, writer, performer, podcaster, singer/songwriter, officiant, and performance interpreter. Her influence extends nationwide, with performances and presentations reaching from Cleveland to New York City, San Francisco, Boise, Idaho, and even during several years spent in Anchorage, Alaska. Ordained in 2009, Rev. Rachel earned her graduate degree in Theological and Pastoral Studies from Ursuline College in 2022. In 2021, she published her book, “From There to Here: An Insider’s Guide to Navigating the Darkness.” For more information about Rev. Rachel, please visit her website at: https://www.revrachelhollander.com/
Rachel came to New York and rehearsed for a week with a fantastic sign language coach, Candace Broker Penn, at Juilliard. They worked on translating the songs and ensuring that the essence of the performance was effectively conveyed in American Sign Language. This wasn’t just about translating words; it was about capturing the emotions, humor, and nuances of the show in a visual and accessible way. During the benefit gala at the Cleveland Playhouse, Rachel interpreted the entire performance, making it accessible not only to deaf individuals but also to a broader audience interested in experiencing the intersection of theater and sign language. The success of this collaboration sparked the idea of incorporating sign language interpretation into future performances, creating a more inclusive and accessible theatrical experience for diverse audiences. And those are just a few of the things discussed within this episode of the podcast, highlighting the profound impact of language accessibility on Anita’s and Rachel’s artistic journey and the broader landscape of inclusive theater.
S3 EP23
Find the transcript here.
Disability Empowerment Now is produced by Pascal Albright.
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