My Name Is...
Ashlea Hayes
Ashlea was born and raised in Compton, CA. Stemming from her love storyelling, Ashlea developed an interest in acting and theatre at the young age of 3. After joining Freeform’s Switched At Birth in 2011, Ashlea was granted her SAG-AFTRA memberbship. Most recently Ashlea appeared as “Rosa” in Season 24 of NBC’s crime drama, Law and Order: SVU. A self-proclaimed “Black Theatre Kid” with passion for their community, Ashlea proudly advocates for Deaf/Deaf+ representation and effective inclusion. Ashlea joined the famed DeafWest Theatre in 2022, portraying Tireseas (DeafBlind oracle) in their production of Oedpius at the Getty Villa. This was the first time that DeafWest theatre incorporated DeafBlind culture, as well as, PT (Pro-Tactile) communication. Ashlea later joined Deaf Austin Theatre’s award winning production of “The Laramie Project”. Soon after, Ashlea joined VOCA playing “Charlyn” in their production of “A Not So Quiet Nocturne”. When she isn’t teaching, out working in the community, or working on an upcoming project, you can catch Ashlea trying out a new recipe.
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Synopsis
Flip the Table is a captivating and emotional autobiographical one-person show performed by a Non-binary Black DeafBlind individual. This performance combines humor with serious reflection to challenge and dismantle societal stereotypes about DeafBlind people.
The performer begins by discussing their own intersectional identity, providing a glimpse into their personal experiences within the larger Deaf community, African American deaf community, and Black Deaf people of color. By flipping over an actual table and turning it into metaphorical table flip, the stage is set for a story that seeks to dispel general misconceptions.
Throughout this play, the actor uses anecdotes from their life as well as irony in order to address generalizations about them. They allow viewers to see what daily life is like for them so they can understand how resilient they are. There are themes of systemic oppression, social isolation, accessibilities which become almost impossible for the Deafblind communities.
In one very moving section called “Now What,” the narrator discusses tangible ways how systematic oppression against DeafBlind individuals can be fought. The creator offers practical suggestions alongside calling on all to respond collectively towards achieving an inclusive society. Thus raising awareness, pushing for change of social norms within the Deaf communities, ensuring inclusivity at work, social, school and any other places leading to equal chances of getting resources and opportunities.
“Flip The Table” concludes with a very powerful message which serves as motivation urging its audience in re-examining how they perceive or relate with persons who are DeafBlind. It’s not just a mere performance but rather an invitation to action geared towards having a more accepting world.
The goal is to create an experience with a captivating story, profound emotions, and funny moments that will make people laugh, smile, and truly unwind.