MJCCA Book Fest Presents – Nyle DiMarco, Deaf Utopia

MJCCA Book Fest Presents – Nyle DiMarco, Deaf Utopia

Saturday, Nov 19, 2022 8:00 PM

Location:
Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta
5342 Tilly Mill Road
Atlanta, Georgia 30338

A heartfelt and inspiring memoir and celebration of Deaf culture by Nyle DiMarco, actor, producer, two-time reality show winner, and cultural icon of the international Deaf community.

The 31st Edition of the Book Festival of the MJCCA welcomes the author for a conversation on his book, “Deaf Utopia: A Memoir.” DiMarco will appear in conversation with ACJ entertainment journalist Rodney Ho.

Presented in partnership with Atlanta Jewish Film Festival and Jewish Abilities Alliance

Interpreting services will be provided for the duration of the event. If you need additional accommodations to enjoy this event, please contact Pam Morton pam.morton@atlantajcc.org or call 678.812.3981 at least four days prior to the program.

Tickets are $17 for MJCCA members and $22 for non-members. A Cappella will have copies of "Deaf Utopia" for purchase at the venue. Masks are optional.

About the Book

Before becoming the actor, producer, advocate, and model that people know today, Nyle DiMarco was half of a pair of Deaf twins born to a multigenerational Deaf family in Queens, New York. At the hospital one day after he was born, Nyle “failed” his first test—a hearing test—to the joy and excitement of his parents.

In this engrossing memoir, Nyle shares stories, both heartbreaking and humorous, of what it means to navigate a world built for hearing people. From growing up in a rough-and-tumble childhood in Queens with his big and loving Italian American family to where he is now, Nyle has always been driven to explore beyond the boundaries given him. 

A college math major and athlete at Gallaudet—the famed university for the Deaf in Washington, DC—Nyle was drawn as a young man to acting and dove headfirst into the reality show competitions “America’s Next Top Model” and “Dancing with the Stars”—ultimately winning both competitions.

“Deaf Utopia” is more than a memoir; it is a cultural anthem—a proud and defiant song of Deaf culture and a love letter to American Sign Language, Nyle’s primary language. Through his stories and those of his Deaf brothers, parents, and grandparents, Nyle opens many windows into the Deaf experience.

“Deaf Utopia” is intimate, suspenseful, hilarious, eye-opening, and smart—both a memoir and a celebration of what makes Deaf culture unique and beautiful.

About the Author

Nyle DiMarco is the executive producer of the award-winning docuseries “Deaf U” and executive producer of the Oscar-nominated documentary short film “Audible,” now streaming on Netflix, with more projects on the way that tell stories from a Deaf point of view in the works. His acting credits include roles on “Difficult People,” “Switched at Birth,” “This Close,” and “Station 19.” Alongside producing and developing scripted and non-scripted programming, DiMarco also consults on disability inclusion and authentic representation in the entertainment industry and beyond.