Family : ‘Other Side’ Explores a Communication Barrier

If you can hear, you know that sound can be beautiful, but can you imagine the beauty of pure silence?

In “The Other Side of the Voice,” “Silent is beautiful,” writes Sandra DeDois’, one of several young students ages 12 to 15 who have written several short theatrical works, both funny and serious, which will be performed at the Fountain Theatre on Sunday. It is the culmination of a special performing arts program at Bancroft Junior High, conducted by stage and screen professionals for students who cannot hear.

“Most public schools do have performing arts programs, but they never include the deaf students,” said artistic director Bob Hilterman, whose credits include the film version of “Children of a Lesser God” and the CBS television movie “Bridge to Silence.”

“I am hard of hearing and I had a communication barrier (in school) when I was growing up,” he said. He learned then that performing was a good way to “get applause and a pat on the back.”

Hilterman developed the performing arts program in 1991 to help children overcome that same communication barrier. Funded by the California Arts Council and the Plum Foundation, it will expand to more schools next year.

“This program helps the students get peers’ attention and develops their confidence,” he said.

It also serves as a language and writing motivator. Under the guidance of Hilterman and other deaf professionals, including comedian C. J. Jones, the students’ creative efforts ranged from romance to fantasy and particularly, comedy.

Hilterman has had his own frustrations as a performer in film. “When a deaf man’s character comes up,” he said, “a hearing man plays the role.” He hopes that hearing audiences who come to the show will appreciate not only the beauty and eloquence of signing, but “that a deaf person is no different than a hearing person.”

The free show will be performed in American Sign Language with voice interpretation.

* “The Other Side of the Voice,” Fountain Theatre, 5060 Fountain Ave., Hollywood, Sunday at 1 and 3 p.m., free; (213) 663-1525.

* You Won’t Get in Trouble: Kids can chalk up the sidewalk and nobody’ll yell at “On the Square,” the AIDS Service Center’s fund-raising street festival of the arts, Saturday and Sunday in Pasadena City Hall’s Centennial Square from noon until dusk.

While grown-ups watch 200 artists at work, munch “international cuisine” or catch a variety of music and dance performances, kids can create their own fine art masterpieces, including sidewalk chalk drawings, or they can decorate angel wings, play dress-up and groove to a bunch of entertainment provided just for them, from veteran storytellers such as Milbre Burch to the We Tell Stories theater-in-a-trunk troupe.

Festival admission is $5 and a two-day pass is $7.50, but children under 12 who come with an adult are free.

Information: (818) 796-5633.