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Interpreted
Theatre
2008
SEASON
There are no more Auslan Interpretered Performances planned
for 2008.
Sydney
Theatre Company's 2009 Season is expected to be announced
towards the end of this year.
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To provide access for the Deaf community to quality theatre and to promote
Deaf awareness, ATOD works with several theatre companies each year to
present Auslan (Australian Sign Language) Interpretation of their shows.
Interpreted Theatre is usually presented as one performance in a theatre
season, and ATOD organises a block booking with the best views of the
interpreters in the house. Preference for tickets is given to Deaf and
hearing impaired patrons and their guests, but tickets are often available
for hearing people interested in the amazing spectacle of theatre interpreters
at work (eg: sign language students etc).
Interpreted Theatre is a daunting project for interpreters. For over a
month they work with the support of an Auslan consultant, to translate
and rehearse an entire play. To put their work load in perspective, each
actor in the play has traditionally 4 weeks to rehearse their characters
lines, but an interpreter will often have to learn the presentation of
half the cast in as much time. This work is doubled when you consider
the preparation required for musicals where timing, rhythm and harmonies
must be devised and practiced.
ATODs role in coordinating an Interpreted Theatre event includes contracting
interpreters and consultants, direct marketing to the Deaf community,
ticket booking and liaising with the theatre on seat and interpreters
placement. Before the preparation of an interpreted theatre show can even
begin, ATOD must also assess if the show is suitable. Elements considered
in this decision are:
- Language: Old
style English for example can present translation issues.
- Humour : Comedy
based on puns (play on words) or rhyming don't translate to another
language.
- Subject : Some
subject matters may not be relevant or market well to the Deaf community.
In the past ATOD
has coordinated sign language interpretation for the Sydney Theatre Company,
Belvoir St Theatre, the Olympic and Paralympic Arts Festivals and popular
musicals including RENT and The Sound of Music.
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