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Author to perform, read works Nov. 4-5
By Kate Wente : November 2nd, 2009David Roche, motivational speaker and author of The Church of 80% Sincerity, will visit UT to perform and read from his works.
Roche
Roche will perform excerpts from his signature one-man show, “The Church of 80% Sincerity,” Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 4 p.m. in Health Education Building Room 105 on Health Science Campus.
He also will read from his newest show called “Catholic Erotica” Thursday, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m. in Memorial Field House Room 2040 on Main Campus.
Dr. Jim Ferris, Ability Center of Greater Toledo Endowed Chair in Disability Studies, director of the UT Disability Studies Program and associate professor of communication, said that he has known Roche for quite a few years and that his combination of wit and warmth is perfect for all audiences.
“There is a great deal of room for people to make their own connections with David,” Ferris said. “I really hope that people will find something moving and amusing in his performances, and that these performances push people to think about their judgments.”
Roche was born with a severe facial disfigurement, which put him through many trying experiences as a child.
It was not until a much older age that Roche was able to come to terms with his deformities. He now considers himself to be an inspirational humorist, motivational speaker and performer who has touched lives around the world.
He has been featured on CNN and in a number of award-winning films, including “Shameless: The Art of Disability” (2006), “The Perfect Flaw” (2005), “Face First” (1999) and “Able to Laugh” (1993).
In addition to his movies, he has performed at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., and at the Sydney Olympics Arts Festival, as well as in Canada, England, New Zealand and Russia.
For more information on these free, public events, contact the UT Disability Studies Program at 419.530.7244.
November 5th, 2009 at 9:51 am
Dr. Ferris and Mr. Roche,
Just wanted to thank you for a truly inspiring experience. You have an inner strength that was fostered by the love and acceptance of your family and by others in your youth. By accepting yourself, you learned to accept others, that’s a life lesson that some never achieve!! You’re a lucky and
blessed soul!! Hope you can return often, your message is important!!!!