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 In
the Spotlight
Fred Beam Takes the Stage
Fred Michael Beam stars in a mainstreamed play…
first ever to have a Deaf African American leading role in the history
of hearing theater. First Deaf African American actor to have a
leading role in Equity Theater in Chicago, possibly in the nation.
Beam is dedicated member of the National Black Deaf Advocates—
he is a former President of DC Area Black Deaf Advocates (DCABDA),
former DCABDA Board member and has chaired numerous DCABDA committees.
Beam is the founder of Invisible Hands Inc., which is made up of
a number of different companies including: The Wild Zappers, an
all male deaf dance company which has toured nationally and internationally;
National Deaf Dance Theatre, a mainstream dance company for both
deaf and hearing communities; and I Didn’t Hear That Color,
a deaf African American touring theater troupe. Beam also does numerous
one-man shows. He is an extraordinary gifted performer and educator
who is dedicated to the advancement of deaf awareness and has served
as a positive role model for all.
 The
play, By The Music of The Spheres, is written by Carson Grace
Becker and David Barr III and is directed by Chuck Smith, a well
known Chicagoian director.
Fred Michael Beam (deaf) was cast in the leading role as Nicholas,
an ex slave half-brother of Katherine. Antoinette Abbamonte (deaf)
played the role of Katherine, the daughter of South Plantation Owner.
Arlene Malinowski was cast as Ellenore, (child of deaf adult 'CODA')—
a wife of vengeful husband who placed her in Asylum.
Synopsis of the play
In the aftermath of the Civil War, the tides of fortune sweep two
orphan refuges into an insane asylum in Massachusetts. For Katherine,
a daughter of Southern plantation owner, and Nicholas, her ex-slave
half brother, it is their misfortunate to be deaf, poor and friendless
in a society that has no other place for them. The asylum is a place
to cast away other unfortunates, like Ellenore, whose vengeful husband
has seized her property and had declared mentally incompetent. The
asylum is presided over by Dr. Newholm, whose stubborn faith in
mechanistic styles of treatment obviates any need to connect with
his charges as human beings. Thomas, the head guard, moves between
the world of the oppressed and the world of power, doggedly guarding
the secret that could undermine his position in his meager life.
Highly theatrical in style, By The Music of The Spheres
is a vivid examination of power and oppression, about how language
is used by some to subdue, by others to claim freedom, and about
connections beyond words.
The play was shown February 14 - March 16, 2003 at:
The Goodman Theatre
170 North Dearborn Street
Chicago, Ill. 60601
http://www.goodman-theatre.org/
Michael E Graziano
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