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Many people in command of all their senses have at one time or another wondered what it might be like to be blind or deaf. Now, at a unique cultural center in Israel, visitors are finally getting the opportunity to find out.
This Tel Aviv cultural center is a one-of-a-kind operation. Run by deaf and blind community members, it features a cafe run by deaf-only employees. You have to sign or write your order if you want to be served. There's also a "blacked out restaurant" where diners eat in total darkness, pre-ordering before going in.
Colleen, dinner guest, said, "I'm really excited. I think it's gonna be reallly cool."
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| This Tel Aviv cultural center is a one-of-a-kind operation. Run by deaf and blind community members, it features a cafe run by deaf-only employees. |
After dinner, the main attraction: ?a theatre performance put on by actors who are all both deaf AND blind. Aided by interpreters, actors convey their realities of living in complete darkness and silence. Loneliness is a common theme. During a segment on wishes, the simplicity of their dreams is heart wrenching.
To see a sunset, to watch television, to walk alone outside without fear, to find a partner. They rehearsed three years to get this to stage and they've performed in Asia, the U.S. and Europe before hundreds of thousands of patrons. Much due to this woman's perseverance.
After the show actors convene. Aided again by their personal interpreters, they discuss the performance using various forms of signing. Before finding this outlet, some here were destitute
Their lives have changed drastically since joining this troupe. At the same time they are changing others lives by offering an insight into their world.
(CNTV January 13, 2012)
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