Deaf Theater Pioneer David Hays Dies at 95

David Hays, a visionary set and lighting designer, passed away on Tuesday at his home in Essex, Connecticut. He was 95 years old.

Hays was instrumental in establishing the National Theater of the Deaf in 1967, serving as its founding artistic director. This groundbreaking company performed in a captivating fusion of American Sign Language and spoken English, reaching audiences across all 50 states and seven continents.

His career in theater design began with significant productions, including Eugene O'Neill's "The Iceman Cometh" and "Long Day's Journey Into Night" in 1956. Over his career, he designed sets and lights for more than 50 Broadway plays and 30 ballets for George Balanchine, earning three Tony Award nominations.

Hays' passion for theater extended to his writing, with publications like "Light on the Subject" and his memoir "Setting the Stage." He also shared his expertise through teaching at prominent universities.

Beyond his professional achievements, Hays was an accomplished sailor, completing a challenging voyage around Cape Horn with his son. Their shared experience was chronicled in their best-selling book, "My Old Man and the Sea."