Deaf US comedian to appear at NZ Comedy Festival

Deaf Hollywood entertainer John Maucere will make his New Zealand debut at the International Comedy Festival on May 4, coinciding with the start of New Zealand sign language week.

Maucere, who has appeared on several American TV series, assumes a number of roles in his stand-up act, including his latest character - a deaf superhero called "Superdeafy".

The hour-long show will be accompanied by a New Zealand sign language interpreter who will translate the performance into spoken words.

"A well known personality in Hollywood, John continues to reinvent himself as a comedian and actor through diverse medias such as on stage, in television, and through the internet," Deaf Aotearoa chief executive Rachel Noble said.

Maucere broke through Hollywood stereotypes and became the first deaf actor in ABC's talent development programme attended by the likes of Tom Hanks and Arsenio Hall. From there, he appeared on television series, including NBC's Law and Order, USA Network's Pacific Blue" and ABC's Parker Kane.

In 1996 he founded Deafywood Production Company, an ensemble of deaf members which has since performed in over 41 American states.

- NZPA