More likely than not, at one point you have felt like you simply did not belong. You might even be able to identify with feelings of ostracism or family dysfunction, themes amplified in Tribes, the most recent production by the Worcester County Light Opera Company (WCLOC).

Opening in February, Tribes follows the members of a dysfunctional and argumentative family as they attempt to overcome their own egotistical nearsightedness. The dynamic of the characters is further complicated by the forced assimilation of their deaf son, Billy, into an otherwise hearing household, and the characters’ bouts of desperation as they struggle with their own difficulties. When Billy meets Sylvia, a young woman who is going deaf, she initiates his interest in the deaf community, and his complicated relationship with the family is further strained.

The lead role of Billy is played by Adam Fleming, who is deaf in real life. Fleming, who maintains about 80 percent of his hearing while wearing a cochlear implant, said he removes his implant on stage to make his performance more authentic.

When casting the production, co-producer Sally Holden said, “In this case, it was absolutely integral to honor the deaf community.”

Director Eric Butler agreed. “I would not have directed Tribes without a deaf actor in the role. It was a must for me and WCLOC. It is such a rich role for a deaf actor and one I know so many identify with personally; I couldn’t imagine casting it in any other way. And we are very lucky to have an actor like Adam, who is willing to take on this challenging part.”

The cast, formed primarily of local actors, said this production involved many “layers.” As well as developing their on-stage personas and navigating the complex series of relationships between characters, the actors learned American Sign Language to enhance the authenticity of the show.

While receiving aid from an ASL consultant, members of the cast found a disconnect between the characters’ body language and their emotions and facial expressions, as appropriate body language for the scene did not always correlate with the signed phrases. Later, as they began to rehearse together, Sean Gardell (Daniel) noted that many of the actors, including himself, had to be consciously aware that they must turn to Fleming (Billy) and maintain eye contact, so that he, too, could be fully aware of what was transpiring during a scene.

During rehearsals for Tribes, the actors said they found themselves reevaluating the habits of their craft, stepping out of their comfort zones and relearning interactions they had previously taken for granted.

Hanson said she hopes the audience will take away a similar lesson. “I consider anything to be a form of really strong art when you continue to think about it after it has occurred.”

Production of Tribes has coincided with the celebration of WCLOC Theater Company’s 80th anniversary. As Worcester’s oldest active theater company, the club has attempted to maintain its relevance and, during this season, has had narrowed its focus on finding a “hook” play that will attract Worcesterites.

Butler hopes to include a performance specifically for members of the deaf community, complete with interpreters for each of the cast members. All performances will include ASL translation projections on the walls, so that audience members may be able to easily follow along during scenes primarily involving sign.

“I hope our hearing audiences leave with an appreciation for deaf culture, the deaf experience and the power of ASL. I hope our deaf audiences leave proud of the way we tell their story. And I hope both leave moved by what I believe is a very moving coming-of-age family drama,” Butler said.

Performances of Tribes will take place at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5 and 12; 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11; 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6 and 13; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7 and 14, at the WCLOC Grandview Playhouse, 21 Grandview Ave., Worcester. General admission tickets are $20, and reduced pricing is available for seniors and students ($17). For more information, visit wcloc.com.

By Christina Rossetti