Lessons in Laughter: An Autobiography of a Deaf Actor [Paperback]

Bernard Bragg (Author), Eugene Bergman (Contributor)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Bragg, a deaf person born of deaf parents in Depression-era New York City, tells how he realized his dream of becoming an actor and pays tribute to his family, deaf friends and others to whom "sign language was a perfectly normal and acceptable way of communicating." The richness and variety found in signing and in the deaf culture permeate his montage of stories. This member of a minority he describes as unique resisted exploitaiton by the hearing, and efforts of professionals to deflect his self-determination. In vignettes that reveal a bubbling personality, readers follow the flowering of his lively intelligence, his developing relationships and the psychic energy that enabled him to construct a textured life, star in a weekly show on public television in San Francisco, found the National Theatre of the Deaf. Bragg's story, told in sign to coauthor Bergman, a colleague, provides a bridge between the hearing society and the deaf. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

In anecdotal form Bragg recounts stories of the important people and events in his life. Born profoundly deaf to deaf parents, he was immersed in sign language and deaf culture from birth and was educated at the New York School for the Deaf, where he was fortunate to have an English teacher who awakened him to the richness of the English language. He became a teacher of the deaf himself after graduation from Gallaudet University but also had a continuing interest in theater, which was fostered by working with French mime Marcel Marceau. He and other deaf actors founded the National Theatre of the Deaf, with which he performed in several different countries. Bragg is a good storyteller, and his memoir has a universal appeal, as well as opening up to hearing people the closed world of the deaf.
- Marcia L. Perry, Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield, Mass.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 238 pages
• Publisher: Gallaudet University Press (November 21, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1563681390
• ISBN-13: 978-1563681394
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,174,968 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Laughed I cried I loved it, September 28, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Lessons in Laughter (Hardcover)

A book that is difficult to put down. Follows the life of an amazing actor who just happens to be Deaf. His battles & his loves. Giving a look at how society looks at the Deaf community & how the Deaf look at themselves & society.

5.0 out of 5 stars Good, December 31, 2011

By 

Coriliz16 - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Lessons in Laughter: An Autobiography of a Deaf Actor (Paperback)

I'm sure it will serve its purpose. I needed it for my classes next semester. I ordered it and it shipped quickly to the house, although it was also a Christmas present for me. Looking forwards to reading it.