Actor identifies with role that bridges gap between Deaf and hearing world

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November 18, 2015

Inspirations News
By Elaine Cohen
November 18, 2015


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When auditioning for the role of Billy in Tribes at the Segal Centre, running from November 30 to December 20, 2015, Jack Volpe was overwhelmed with a sense of déjà vu after performing a scene from the theatrical stage production written by Nina Raines. Following excellent reviews in the U.K., U.S. and Toronto, Tribes premieres in Montreal under the direction of Sarna Lapine.

Awarded the lead role, Volpe studied the entire script and discovered more parallels between his life and Billy’s. “Just like Billy, we were both born Deaf and the only members of hearing families,” Volpe explained via Courtney Lester, an ASL-English interpreter. Despite differences in lifestyles, the actor and Billy encountered similar obstacles growing up.

Besides teaching ASL evening classes for adults, Volpe is a full-time PAB (Beneficiary Assistant) at the Mackay Centre School. After student dismissal one recent afternoon, Volpe sat down to share thoughts on his debut as a performer and his experience as a writer, director, advocator and member of the small but vibrant ASL community.

Jack Volpe stars as Billy in Tribes at Segal Centre. (Photo courtesy of Jack Volpe) “Billy is hard-of-hearing and he speaks,” says Volpe, discussing the character he will assume for 25 live performances. “Billy’s parents, older brother and sister speak but his girlfriend is a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults). Her first language was ASL and spoken English came later.” Audiences are treated to voice and ASL interpretation. The engaging plot is embellished with humour and a bit of family drama, observes Volpe.

From ages three to five, Volpe attended the Mackay Centre School starting at Pre-K and became proficient in speech. Consequently, his parents switched him to schools where he was encouraged to adapt to an oral milieu. He remembers being placed in classes with hearing and Deaf students until CEGEP.

“My identity changed when I enrolled in the Cinema, Video and Communications program at Dawson College,” recalls Volpe. “I made friends with Deaf students, who signed and I no longer felt disconnected.”

Volpe cites performer Jim Carrey as his muse. “I was inspired by how he surmounted financial problems, performed comedy and his career took off. I’ve always loved slapstick and action movies. As a kid, I used to spend hours in front of the mirror imitating Carrey’s facial expressions.”

Volpe aspires to become a film director. “There are a lot of Deaf performers but they are directed by hearing directors. The Deaf and hearing communities have so much to learn from each other.”

One of his ASL students, a founder of Seeing Voices Montreal (SVM) invited him to become involved. Volpe serves as Performance Director and ASL Head Instructor. “I was always shy but teaching ASL gave me the confidence to perform.” A graduate of Concordia University, Volpe attained a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Production. He takes pride in being the first Deaf student to be accepted in that program.

The job market is tough, he admits, citing his own experience. Volpe volunteered for a few organizations before finding work. He praises his parents and older sister for encouraging him to network and accept challenges.

For information about Tribes, visit www.segalcentre.org or phone (514) 739-7944. For information about Seeing Voices Montreal, an organization that raises D/deaf awareness through performing arts, education and community interactions, visit www.seeingvoicesmontreal.com.

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514-739-7944