The National Theater of the Deaf was in grave financial danger earlier this year. Then, when it looked like the situation had been solved, the NEA came calling, wanting payment of a long-overdue debt. “The N.E.A. has great respect for the National Theater of the Deaf, and we have worked very closely with them for many years to try to arrive at mutually agreeable and beneficial repayment plans. Each plan has been agreed upon by the National Theater of the Deaf, and each time they’ve been unable to meet the requirements. It’s unfortunate, but we’ve come to a point where this has to be resolved.”