Children of a Lesser God (play)

LesserGodPlaybill

Children of a Lesser God is a play written by Mark Medoff that premiered on Broadway in 1980. The play tells the story of a speech therapist, James Leeds, who falls in love with a deaf woman, Sarah Norman. The title of the play is derived from a quote in the Bible, specifically from the Gospel of Matthew.

Plot

The play revolves around the relationship between James and Sarah, exploring themes of communication, love, and understanding. James, who is hearing, teaches at a school for the deaf where he meets Sarah, a former student who is now a janitor at the school. Despite their differences in communication styles, the two develop a deep connection and romantic relationship.

As their relationship progresses, James and Sarah face challenges related to their differing perspectives on deaf culture and the hearing world. The play delves into the complexities of their relationship and the barriers they must overcome to truly understand each other.

Themes

Children of a Lesser God explores themes of communication, disability, love, and identity. The play raises questions about the ways in which people with different abilities interact and connect with each other. It also challenges societal norms and perceptions of disability, highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding in relationships.

Reception

The play received critical acclaim for its portrayal of deaf characters and its exploration of deaf culture. It won the Tony Award for Best Play in 1980 and was later adapted into a successful film in 1986, starring Marlee Matlin and William Hurt.

Legacy

Children of a Lesser God remains a significant work in the realm of deaf representation in the arts. It has been praised for its nuanced portrayal of deaf characters and its exploration of communication barriers. The play continues to be studied and performed in theaters around the world.