Stand-up comedian Ray Bradshaw credits his deaf parents as the inspiration for his new show, 'Coda'. The performance, which he is touring nationally, explores his unique upbringing as a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) and the challenges and humor found within that experience.
For years, Bradshaw has featured a sign language interpreter at his gigs. He recalls a powerful moment when a deaf grandmother thanked him after a show, stating it was the first time her whole family could enjoy the theatre together.
The show delves into forgotten memories, like having a radio in his bedroom on the advice of a speech therapist—though his parents never knew if it was tuned to a station. Bradshaw, the first professional comedian to perform a show simultaneously in English and sign language, waited years to discuss his parents' deafness on stage to avoid it being seen as a gimmick.
Now an established comic, he finds joy in connecting with other CODAs in the audience and watching his own son sign with his grandparents.