Rita Corey, multitalented Deaf performer and teacher, passes away
Rita Corey, who was well known in the Deaf community for her many talents in the performing arts and for being a teacher and a mentor, passed away on Saturday, January 25. She was 66.
Here is a report from Renca Dunn.
RENCA DUNN:
Thank you, Alex. Yes, I see that the Deaf community is saddened by the loss of Rita Corey. She was one of the pioneers as a Deaf woman for music and theatre. I reached out to Ivana Rae Genievski, Corey’s daughter, to share about her mother.
Corey passed away due to two types of rare blood disorders. It is not leukemia, but this kind of blood disorders can lead to leukemia. Corey was already born with anemia which developed Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Myeloproliferative Neoplasm. This has caused her immune system to become weak and struggle to fight infections in her body. Corey recently battled with pneumonia until the end.
Ivana shared that Corey was an actress, dancer, performer, producer, script writer, and so much more.
[Images of Rita Corey in her early days]
She directed plays at Gallaudet and at the Maryland School for the Deaf. She was an actress for the National Theatre of the Deaf (NTD) and has worked with people like Benard Bragg and Marlee Matlin.
Corey’s acting skills were not only limited to stage, as she appeared in films. She was involved with “Versa Effect” and “The Gift.”
Ivana mentioned that her mother was well known for Musign. This was the first Deaf music group on tour. Corey started Musign along with her brother, Ed Chevy, and Bob Hiltermann. They went on tour for 6 years from 1980 to 1986.
Hollywood celebrities have recognized Corey for her work -- people like Elizabeth Taylor and Robin Williams. Ivana said that Williams even went to watch one of Musign’s performances in San Francisco.
Ivana wants the Deaf community to remember how hard she worked, how much she has contributed to our community, and her passion, especially in the music and theatre world. Corey was Ivana’s role model, idol, hero, and an amazing mother. Ivana said that her mother is a shining star and never will be forgotten.
I want to thank Ivana for sharing about her mother. It is not easy to do that. We lost a legend in our Deaf community and may we always remember her for what she has done for us.
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Thank you Renca and Ivana for that touching tribute.
Gallaudet University Theatre said on Facebook that Corey was a Gallaudet student and was the “first Deaf person to receive a MFA degree in stage directing from Catholic University.”
There were many deaf performers, former students, and organizations who posted tributes on social media.
Gallaudet: https://bit.ly/36MQXZM
GO fund me link:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-rita-corey?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link-tip&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet