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The Ring: November 2007 - Wind in the Willows paving way for Deaf and Hard-of-hearing community
With gorgeous, storybook illustration sets by faculty member Mary Kerr, the Phoenix Theatre’s production of Kenneth Grahame’s classic tale Wind in the Willows will be a particularly visual affair. But for some audience members, the performance on Tuesday Nov. 13 will be especially so.
On this night, the dialogue of your favourite English riverside characters—Mole, Ratty, Toad and Badger—will also be made visual and accessible to a whole new audience through sign language interpretation.
The idea was initiated in 2006 by Kristi Falconer, the interpreter coordinator at the UVic Resource Centre for Students with a Disability, who saw the opportunity for the Phoenix to provide access to live theatre for the Deaf and Hard-of-hearing community on campus and in the region.
Sandra Guerreiro, audience services manager at the Phoenix, was interested in reaching out to a group that usually doesn’t have the opportunity to access live theatre here in Victoria.
“We’ve been offering infrared listening devices for several years, but this seemed like an innovative idea to bring our theatre experience to a unique audience. It is representative of the university’s vision on accommodation, diversity and accessibility,” says Guerreiro. “We’re grateful to the Equity and Human Rights Office for funding to make this program possible.”
Now that the performance is almost here, Falconer is excited to see her idea coming to fruition. She’s arranged for Nigel Howard, a Deaf interpreter who has 14 years’ experience on the international scene, to interpret Wind in the Willows into American Sign Language.
“Live theatre is something that Deaf individuals living in larger cities across Canada have regular opportunities to enjoy, but rarely have the chance to attend here in Victoria,” says Falconer.
“I’m thrilled that the Phoenix Theatre is paving the way and breaking down this barrier. Having someone like Nigel interpreting this performance will add such a rich visual dimension to an already colourful play. I can’t wait to see it.”
And the witty words he will be interpreting are those of acclaimed British playwright and author Alan Bennett, who was commissioned to adapt Wind in the Willows for stage by the National Theatre in London. The play follows the adventures and antics of four friends in the English countryside. With over 30 different scenes and as many characters, this fast-paced script will keep the interpreter busy.
The Phoenix Theatre’s production of Wind in the Willows runs Nov. 8–24. It is directed by Brian Richmond, chair of the theatre department, with production design by Mary Kerr and features an all-student cast.
Tickets for the Nov. 13 performance with sign language interpretation can be made in person or by phone at 721-8000 when the box office opens on Nov.1.
With gorgeous, storybook illustration sets by faculty member Mary Kerr, the Phoenix Theatre’s production of Kenneth Grahame’s classic tale Wind in the Willows will be a particularly visual affair. But for some audience members, the performance on Tuesday Nov. 13 will be especially so.
On this night, the dialogue of your favourite English riverside characters—Mole, Ratty, Toad and Badger—will also be made visual and accessible to a whole new audience through sign language interpretation.
The idea was initiated in 2006 by Kristi Falconer, the interpreter coordinator at the UVic Resource Centre for Students with a Disability, who saw the opportunity for the Phoenix to provide access to live theatre for the Deaf and Hard-of-hearing community on campus and in the region.
Sandra Guerreiro, audience services manager at the Phoenix, was interested in reaching out to a group that usually doesn’t have the opportunity to access live theatre here in Victoria.
“We’ve been offering infrared listening devices for several years, but this seemed like an innovative idea to bring our theatre experience to a unique audience. It is representative of the university’s vision on accommodation, diversity and accessibility,” says Guerreiro. “We’re grateful to the Equity and Human Rights Office for funding to make this program possible.”
Now that the performance is almost here, Falconer is excited to see her idea coming to fruition. She’s arranged for Nigel Howard, a Deaf interpreter who has 14 years’ experience on the international scene, to interpret Wind in the Willows into American Sign Language.
“Live theatre is something that Deaf individuals living in larger cities across Canada have regular opportunities to enjoy, but rarely have the chance to attend here in Victoria,” says Falconer.
“I’m thrilled that the Phoenix Theatre is paving the way and breaking down this barrier. Having someone like Nigel interpreting this performance will add such a rich visual dimension to an already colourful play. I can’t wait to see it.”
And the witty words he will be interpreting are those of acclaimed British playwright and author Alan Bennett, who was commissioned to adapt Wind in the Willows for stage by the National Theatre in London. The play follows the adventures and antics of four friends in the English countryside. With over 30 different scenes and as many characters, this fast-paced script will keep the interpreter busy.
The Phoenix Theatre’s production of Wind in the Willows runs Nov. 8–24. It is directed by Brian Richmond, chair of the theatre department, with production design by Mary Kerr and features an all-student cast.
Tickets for the Nov. 13 performance with sign language interpretation can be made in person or by phone at 721-8000 when the box office opens on Nov.1.