Quick look: Aissa Carvalho — a junior at the Connections at University High School DHH program — was nominated by the OC Cappies Critics and Awards Program for his performance using artistic ASL in University High’s production of “Dreamland.”
As someone who grew up wanting to see more sign language in theater, Aissa Carvalho — a junior at the Connections at University High School DHH program — decided to create more of that representation himself with his performance in University High’s production of “Dreamland.”
The musical — a modern rendition of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” — is one of the only in Orange County to feature a cast member who is deaf or hard of hearing and choreographed ensembles using artistic American Sign Language.
Aissa collaborated with University High choreographers Cris Stuart and Beylul Ephrem and his interpreter Kathy Bodewig to weave ASL into the production and teach it to other cast members. Each sign used was carefully chosen to work with the movement of the performance in harmony while also clearly translating the lyrics of the songs.
Taking on such a large responsibility was daunting, but Aissa rose to the challenge.
“At first, I was a bit intimidated because I would be teaching everyone a language that many had not learned and would’ve been complex to beginners,” he said. “However, after the first or second rehearsal I started to look forward to working with everyone else more! The students picked up on the signs easily and I noticed them sharing with the other ensembles what they had learned, which I found endearing.”
The result stood out to audiences and critics alike.
Aissa’s performance and the integration of artistic ASL caught the attention of the Orange County Cappies Critics and Awards Program, which each year recognizes standout student performers, writers and technical crews from high school theater productions across the county.
“The choir performs artistic sign language, translated by Aissa Carvalho, with fluidity that conveys the nuance and emotion of their lyrics,” said Addy Engelken, a senior at Tesoro High School who reviewed “Dreamland.”
The infusion of artistic ASL earned Aissa an OC Cappies nomination in the creativity category, recognizing him among the top student performances of the year. He was honored with a medal during the OC Cappies Reception at Irvine’s Portola High School.
“For me, being recognized for the incorporation of my culture within a usually predominantly hearing field is so surreal,” Aissa said. “I have always wished to see more sign language within theater as I grew to love it, so being able to be a part of the change I strived for feels like a blessing.”
While the recognition is meaningful, Aissa said his connection to theater goes beyond the spotlight.
“My favorite part about acting and performing is getting to learn and grow with my character,” he said. “As I learn and analyze my character’s actions and feelings, I start to resonate with them and understand their intentions better and am able to portray them accurately.”
Whether his future leads to acting, stage production or teaching drama, Aissa said one thing remains certain: Theater is where he wants to be.