Black Non-Profit to Present Powerful Deaf Hip Hop Culture Production in Washington, DC

Nationwide — Visionaries of the Creative Arts (VOCA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to amplifying the voices of Deaf and Hard of Hearing BIPOC artists, is proud to announce the return of ISM II. This groundbreaking production, under the visionary direction of Michelle Banks, is a compelling force in the fight against social and racial injustice through the art of storytelling. ISM II promises an immersive experience, weaving together the expressive power of American Sign Language (ASL), the energy of Hip Hop dance, and profound narratives that will leave you deeply moved.

ISM II stands as a cutting-edge addition to the ISM Project, a series unwavering in its mission to confront societal “isms,” discriminatory practices, and oppression using the power of storytelling. In this revival, a remarkable ensemble of Deaf and Hard of Hearing BIPOC storytellers will illuminate their authentic experiences in the mesmerizing language of ASL, shedding light on the immense challenges they’ve faced and the inspiring triumphs they’ve conquered.

“As the Artistic Director of VOCA, I’m proud to present ISM II, a production that represents our mission of showcasing the talents of our Deaf and Hard of Hearing BIPOC artists through creativity and artistic expressions. This unique blend of American Sign Language (ASL), Hip Hop dance, ASL poetry, and storytelling serves as a powerful vehicle for change, addressing social and racial injustices. We invite you to join us in the journey of our world that transcends limits and brings awareness to diverse communities,” said founder Michelle Banks.

The production runs November 29th-December 17th in Theater Lab II at Atlas Performing Arts Center in Washington, DC. Tickets are available through Atlas Theater’s Box Office at https://www.atlasarts.org/events/voca/

As America celebrates the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop, ISM II takes center stage to express raw emotions, traumas, and triumphs of this dynamic culture through the electrifying medium of Hip Hop dance, choreographed by the talented Tara Miles. This production is poised to unveil the very essence of Deaf Hip Hop culture, seamlessly weaving together music, dance, poetry, multimedia, and storytelling in the captivating language of ASL. Whether you’re hearing or Deaf, all audiences, regardless of their hearing abilities, will have the opportunity to connect with ISM II. With simultaneous access to ASL and Spoken English (voice performed), it promises an inclusive, immersive experience that transcends boundaries.