Keith Wann who worked as a sign language interpreter for the Broadway play The Lion King says he was fired because of the colour of his skin
Keith Wann, 53, was one of at least two people who had to leave the production after the non-profit Theater Development Fund, which hires American Sign Language interpreters for Broadway shows, decided it was “no longer appropriate” for white interpreters to play black characters in ASL Broadway shows, the New York Post said.
Who Is Keith Wann Sign Language Interpreter Allegedly Fired From The Lion King Broadway Play For Being White
Wann sued the company and its director of accessibility programmes, Lisa Carling, in federal court on Tuesday for being unfair. According to the lawsuit and emails that the New York Post got a hold of, Carling told Wann and interpreter Christina Mosleh to “back out” of the performance, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary on Sunday.
BREAKING REPORT: Sign language interpreter Keith Wann sues Lion King on Broadway after director FIRED HIM AND TOLD HIM IT'S 'NO LONGER APPROPRIATE to have white interpreters represent black characters'…
— Chuck Callesto (@ChuckCallesto) November 13, 2022
So that black sign language professionals could take their place. Wann said, “Seeing that kind of racism doesn’t make a difference to me, whether I’m white or black. This is clear, and I just hope that other people who have had the same thing happen will speak up.”
Email That Shocked Keith Wann!
Wann, a comedian, actor, and performer in New York with more than ten years of experience. Got the chance to work on one of Broadway’s most famous and long-lasting shows in March. A few days later, Carling sent him an email asking him. And another interpreter to leave the event because of “the current social climate.” This surprised him.
Who Is Keith Wann? Age, Career, Early Life, Relationship, And Much More!
Since 2002, Keith Wann has been on stage. He first joined a sign language improv group. In 2004, after a few of his music video parodies went viral, he went out on his own. Keith Wann has kept touring over the years, both by himself and with other comedians on the ASL Comedy Tour.
On his many social media accounts. He keeps getting viral videos where he talks about his childhood, going to church. And spending time with his family. In 2017, he stopped doing stand-up comedy shows live to focus on web and studio projects.
Wann was one of the first people to perform in ASL. He has been in many ASL short films and is now the star of a popular ASL children’s show called “Signed Stories.” In the ASL community, he is known for his comedic style, which combines funny jokes with stories about his life as a hearing child with deaf parents. He has also been in “Law and Order: High Maintenance,” “Quantico,” and a few short films with deaf directors and actors. He has also been in a few commercials for Pepsi.
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