The founder of Deaf West Theatre is being replaced. Founder Ed Waterstreetis retiring and David J. Kurs will take his place as artistic director for the Los Angeles-based theater group. Waterstreet has been at the helm since 1991. During the past two decades, Deaf West has put on 40 plays and four musicals. The group's revival of Big River made it to New York, where it won two Tony nominations and a Tony honor for excellence in theater. The 68-year-old Waterstreet graduated from Gallaudet University and was a member of the National Theatre of the Deaf. His successor is 34 and also a Gallaudet grad, having served as associate producer and ASL master for Deaf West. Kurs first show will be the April production of Cyrano.
