Live art is for everyone, and thanks to ANZ, access to live art at BATS is going even further.
Those who are d/Deaf, blind or have low vision, or who can’t physically make it into the theatre, can now enjoy even
more live art via live streaming, captioning and audio description thanks to funding from ANZ Staff Foundation.
With this generous support BATS will work with up to ten productions between May and July this year. BATS wants to do
better to support disabled artists and their community, not only increasing accessibility to creative work but by
championing work made by and for d/Deaf and disabled communities.
BATS CEO, Jonty Hendry, expressed enthusiasm about the project, saying, "Theatre has the power to unite and uplift, and
it is our responsibility as artists to ensure that the live theatre experience is accessible to everyone. With the
support of ANZ, we are proud to take a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and diverse cultural
landscape."
Broadcasting theatre in real time and on demand helps to bring a sense of closeness and connection to those who can't be
physically with us. It also breaks down barriers to inclusion through accessibility issues. The BATS Digital Delivery
has shown us that live theatre can be inclusive and it can get to everyone given the right equipment, specialist skills
and support.
For those who are d/Deaf or hard-of-hearing, BATS is committed to providing a comprehensive experience through real-time
captioning. Depending on the production, live captions will be displayed on stage or over live streaming. To make it a
comprehensive experience the captions allow viewers to follow the dialogue and the action of the live theatre show
simultaneously.
Helen Vivienne Fletcher is a disabled Wellington based writer and theatre artist. Helen will be bringing her production Confessions of a Sleepwalking Insomniac to the BATS stage in June. The show will not only have a New Zealand Sign Language Interpreter but because of the ANZ
funding audio description and live streaming with captioning will also be included. “The disability community is a
close-knit group. As a disabled theatre practitioner, it can be really hard knowing that your production might exclude
your friends. With tight budgets, you can end up having to choose which group to exclude, as you can only afford to
provide for one type of access needs. Finding out about the ANZ Staff Foundation funding was such a joy. I’m so excited
to create this show knowing that everyone will be able to attend.” Helen says.
Recognising the unique needs of the blind and low vision community, BATS will also be including some audio described
performances. Audio description is a narrated commentary for blind and low vision audience members. The audio describer
gives descriptions of the visual elements. In a live theatre show, in between the dialogue or songs, the audio describer
narrates what’s happening on stage like the costumes, the set design and where it’s set, body language, facial
expression, movements on the stage by the performers. The audio describer’s narration is transmitted to wireless
receivers and headsets worn by the audience members. It doesn’t impact the experience for other audience members.
This exciting initiative has been made possible through the generous support of the ANZ Staff Foundation. Their
commitment to accessibility and inclusion has empowered BATS Theatre to make a firm commitment to redefining what is
possible in the world of live theatre.
BATS invites audiences, both local and global, to join in this accessible experience. Keep an eye out on the BATS
website for all the shows that include audio description and/or live streaming and captioning. bats.co.nz.
For more information, here’s a page with additional info about the Foundation: