Creative Access Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December, 2003 - Terrylene Comes to Philadelphia

IT'S NOBODY'S BUSINESS … OR IS IT?
ACCLAIMED DEAF ACTRESS TERRYLENE TAKES HER STORY OF SURVIVAL AND LOVE ON A NATIONAL TOUR "IN THE NOW"

The irrepressible story of how a young woman's personal odyssey of confusion, guilt, and enlightenment catapults her from victim to survivor to "I am": Thus the defining centerpiece to Terrylene's acclaimed, autobiographical
one-woman play, "IN THE NOW," as it winds up its national tour at the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf in the Germantown section of Philadelphia on December 5, 2003 at 7:30PM. “This play is for everyone, Deaf-hard of hearing and hearing alike”, says Carol Finkle, Executive Director of Creative Access, the local non-profit that uses the arts for social change, bridging gaps and building bridges between the worlds of deaf and hearing. “When I saw In the NOW in NYC last year”, Finkle continues, I knew we must create a committed coalition of like-minded organizations determined not to let our City miss out on this rare, personal tale by and about much beloved, Deaf American actor, Terrylene.

Through the magic of experimental American Sign Language expression, Terrylene allows us to witness a moving story that chronicles her personal journey from guarded girl to "total woman." "IN THE NOW" interweaves storytelling, ASL poetry, and monologue with voice translation and original music performed live on stage. We capture a glimpse into the mental turmoil caused by the hands of an abusive stepfather as she takes the steps towards the healing process. With the unflinching love of her grandmother, her "secret" is revealed at the moment she learns to transcend the painful experiences of her past -- turning survival through anger into the radiant beauty of the real person she would become. Thought provoking, profound, life affirming and humorous, "IN THE NOW" is a performance piece that inspires us to see the truth in the power of love and forgiveness, by learning to let go and enjoy life.

"IN THE NOW" unites Terrylene with the acclaimed director Mark Travis, whose distinguished career in theater includes collaborations on some of the most popular one-person plays of our time, including Art Metrano's "Accidental Comedy," Paul Linke's "Time Flies When You're Alive," and Chazz Palminteri's "A Bronx Tale."

Regarded as one of the most famous Deaf actors in the world today by Deafness.About.Com, Terrylene is from a fourth generation Deaf family. She has received numerous honors for her acting, creative writing (Kennedy Center's Henry
Fonda Playwright Award), and advocacy work (Woman of the Year, City of Los Angeles). She most recently received overwhelming applause for her starring role as "Stella" in Deaf West's production of "A Streetcar Named Desire," and the
Fountain Theater's "Sweet Nothing In My Ear". With memorable roles in such films as Oliver Stone's "Natural Born Killers" and "City of Angels," Terrylene is perhaps best known for her popular recurring role on TV's "Beauty and the Beast" and through her numerous appearances on such shows as "E.R.," "Once and Again," and "Night Visions." She stars opposite Oscar winner Louise Fletcher in Miramax's soon-to-be-released "AfterImage." The tour will feature voice translation and original music by Marilyn Donadt.

In addition to Creative Access, "IN THE NOW" is being presented by partnering organizations, Laurel House/ADVAN, Deaf-Hearing Communication Center and PA School for the Deaf/Center Community and Professional Services, with the major sponsorship of SPRINT.

Last note: In addition to the tour, there will be a school-version
educational and interactive session, "I wonder why." This effective twenty-five minute play will focus on the difference between a "good" touch and a "bad" touch. The concise performance will end with a twenty minute Q&A session with the children, with a take-home curriculum kit for their parents and teachers.