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Boost for deaf theatre buffs - Isle of Man News - iomtoday
CURRENTLY one in six people cannot enjoy the theatre because they have hearing problems.
But that will all change now that an innovative solution to improve access to theatre for the deaf and hard of hearing has arrived in the Isle of Man.
The Manx Deaf Society has announced that captioning (subtitling) equipment has been bought for permanent use in the island and will be revealed during Disability Awareness Week (October 31 – November 5).
Judith Ley, of the Manx Deaf Society, said: ‘Due to the generosity of a private family trust, the Isle of Man now has portable professional equipment that enables the spoken word to be converted into visible text that provides deaf, deafened and hard of hearing people with access to live theatre performances – and because the captioning unit is portable, it can be used in venues around the island to benefit the maximum number of people.’
Minister for Community, Culture and Leisure David Cretney MHK added: ‘Improving access to leisure activities is a key policy of the department. The sign-language interpreted performances of shows has proved to be extremely popular and I am delighted that, in addition to these, a captioning facility is now available.
‘I know that it will greatly improve the experience of visiting the theatre for people with hearing difficulties, as well as attracting for the first time those who have never been able to comfortably follow a show at the theatre.’
To demonstrate how the captioning equipment works, there will be a free showcase event for members of the public at the Gaiety Theatre at 8pm on Tuesday, November 1.
As an introduction to how the system works, the Legion Players will perform a 10-minute preview of their upcoming play – R.C. Sherriff’s First World War classic Journey’s End.
The equipment will then be used fully for the first time throughout the last performance of the play, at 2.30pm on November 19 in the Gaiety Theatre.
Chairman of the Legion Players Stephanie Gray said: ‘The society is absolutely delighted to support the launch of the new captioning equipment and to put it to full use in its forthcoming production.
‘Communicating fully the text of a play or musical is vital. This new equipment will enable drama and music groups throughout the island to engage with those who have previously been discouraged from attending productions and shows.’
For more information about the equipment, contact Judith Ley on 213116 or email judithley@manx.net
l Journey’s End, a harrowing war drama, will be showing in the Gaiety Theatre between November 17 and 19. Tickets cost £10. See Villa Marina & Gaiety Theatre: The Isle of Man's Premier Entertainment Complex - The Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre Complex or call 600555 for more information.
CURRENTLY one in six people cannot enjoy the theatre because they have hearing problems.
But that will all change now that an innovative solution to improve access to theatre for the deaf and hard of hearing has arrived in the Isle of Man.
The Manx Deaf Society has announced that captioning (subtitling) equipment has been bought for permanent use in the island and will be revealed during Disability Awareness Week (October 31 – November 5).
Judith Ley, of the Manx Deaf Society, said: ‘Due to the generosity of a private family trust, the Isle of Man now has portable professional equipment that enables the spoken word to be converted into visible text that provides deaf, deafened and hard of hearing people with access to live theatre performances – and because the captioning unit is portable, it can be used in venues around the island to benefit the maximum number of people.’
Minister for Community, Culture and Leisure David Cretney MHK added: ‘Improving access to leisure activities is a key policy of the department. The sign-language interpreted performances of shows has proved to be extremely popular and I am delighted that, in addition to these, a captioning facility is now available.
‘I know that it will greatly improve the experience of visiting the theatre for people with hearing difficulties, as well as attracting for the first time those who have never been able to comfortably follow a show at the theatre.’
To demonstrate how the captioning equipment works, there will be a free showcase event for members of the public at the Gaiety Theatre at 8pm on Tuesday, November 1.
As an introduction to how the system works, the Legion Players will perform a 10-minute preview of their upcoming play – R.C. Sherriff’s First World War classic Journey’s End.
The equipment will then be used fully for the first time throughout the last performance of the play, at 2.30pm on November 19 in the Gaiety Theatre.
Chairman of the Legion Players Stephanie Gray said: ‘The society is absolutely delighted to support the launch of the new captioning equipment and to put it to full use in its forthcoming production.
‘Communicating fully the text of a play or musical is vital. This new equipment will enable drama and music groups throughout the island to engage with those who have previously been discouraged from attending productions and shows.’
For more information about the equipment, contact Judith Ley on 213116 or email judithley@manx.net
l Journey’s End, a harrowing war drama, will be showing in the Gaiety Theatre between November 17 and 19. Tickets cost £10. See Villa Marina & Gaiety Theatre: The Isle of Man's Premier Entertainment Complex - The Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre Complex or call 600555 for more information.