ISM

ISM, conceived and directed by Michelle Banks, is a collection of monologues by the BIPOC Deaf individuals dealing with audism, ableism, racism, and other related-” isms” in their lives. The conception of ISM was inspired by the actual events within the Deaf and hard of hearing communities, where they have encountered systemic racism and social injustice based on the color of their skin, gender identity, disability, and many more. This play highlights the actors’ life experiences of oppression and discrimination before and during the inception of the Black Lives Matter movement and the pandemic. VOCA’s goal is to help make positive change by sharing their stories and finding solutions to societal issues. An ISM, it would allow the actors to be the “voice” of social change.