Theatre Cedar Rapids says it is postponing its production of Tribes after backlash from the deaf community surrounding its decision to cast a hearing actor for the role of a deaf person.

The play called Tribes is about Billy who is the only deaf member of a family living in London. In the play, Billy meets a hearing woman who was born to deaf parents, and she introduces him to the deaf community.

The statement from Artistic Director Leslie Charipar states the decision came from conversations and feedback from the deaf community.

“In light of conversation among and feedback from the Deaf community and after a great deal of conversation and soul-searching with TCR staff, Tribes director David Schneider, and the cast of Tribes, TCR has decided to postpone our production of Tribes until we can gain the support of the Deaf community and collaborate with them in finding d/Deaf actors to play the deaf roles as well as ensure that we are portraying the deaf experience in an authentic and respectful way,” Charipar said.

The deaf community held a public forum Tuesday to talk about the issues of casting a hearing person to play a deaf role in the play.

Charipar says the whole experience was difficult and emotional, and TCR has “learned a great deal.”

You can contact the theatre at info@theatrecr.org if you are interested in getting involved as an actor, interpreter or partner. People who already have tickets to the show will be contacted by the theatre within the next few days.