Elbert Joseph

A peach gradient background with navy text has “The D-30 Disability Impact List” at the top centered above “2022 Honoree” which is in between two laurels. The words “Elbert Joseph he/they United States” is to the left of a picture of Elbert, which fills the right. Elbert is a chocolate skinned person smiling with black short hair wearing a blue t-shirt. At the bottom, “Diversability, #D30DisList.” fills the left corner.

Elbert Joseph (He/they)

Deaf and Disability activist, Deaf artist

United States

Elbert is a tireless advocate for Deaf inclusion in Boston's theatre scene. He has found the professional theatre scene in Boston lacking in active, inclusive practices. Like many artists, Elbert has had to forge his own path as a professional theater artist; working as an actor, interpreter and director of ASL. Getting Boston theatre to recognize the rich potential for Deaf inclusion, and inspire the potential in young Deaf artists, has been his mission. He struggles to be heard (literally and physically) as a Black Caribbean Gay Deaf person. The professional theatres, the Black theatres, and the Queer theatre overlook him for fear of rising costs (interpreters). But he is the Boston child of theatre, having grown up with and found a distinct passion for the Stage.

Elbert received one of WBUR's Artists of Color recognition. He has received the Laurent Clerc Award from the National Association of the Deaf (NAD). He performed in two integrated (hearing/Deaf) productions, The Tempest with Queen Mab and Fun Home with Harvard Arts. Elbert also hosted the Family Reunion at Wheelock Family Theatre. He has been the director of ASL for Donna Summer the Musical, Rocky Horror Picture Sow, and been featured in Deaf Broadway productions on Zoom.