4 minute read
Accessibility
PRESENTED BY
Our accessibility programme provides audio-described and New Zealand Sign Language-interpreted performances to ensure our productions are accessible to blind/low-vision and Deaf/hard-of-hearing patrons. Our staff can accommodate your needs.
Wheelchair Access
ASB Waterfront Theatre has eight seats and three wheelchair spaces centrally located in the auditorium, reserved for customers with special access requirements. There is step-free, level access to all tiers of the building and to seating in the stalls. Wheelchair-accessible toilets are located on the ground floor; accessible parking is available on Madden Street and other accessible parking spaces are within 150 metres of the theatre.
Hearing Assistance
The theatre has a T-Loop radio frequency system to amplify the sound of the performance. If you don’t use a hearing aid or your hearing aid does not have a T setting, there is a listener unit available on request from the box office.
NZSL-interpreted performances feature a trained interpreter from Platform Interpreting New Zealand, who appears on stage to interpret the show for Deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons in the audience. The trained interpreters carefully translate the play’s script prior to the performance and work closely with the cast and crew to incorporate the vision into their final interpretation.
NZSL-Interpreted Performance Dates
The Heartbreak Choir Sat 25 Feb, 8pm Witi’s Wāhine Sat 20 May, 8pm King Lear Sat 24 Jun, 8pm Basmati Bitch Sat 22 Jul, 7pm Things That Matter Sat 26 Aug, 8pm Switzerland Sat 30 Sep, 8pm
Accessible Performance and Companion Tickets
Single tickets to NZSL-interpreted and audiodescribed performances are $20 for Deaf/hard-ofhearing and blind/low-vision patrons. One companion ticket per theatre-goer is also available for $20.
Assistance Dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome at the theatre. We can find a seat that’s comfortable for you and your dog or arrange for the theatre staff to look after your dog during the show.
Audio-described performances provide a live audio commentary by professionals from Audio Described Aotearoa, who describe key visual elements of what is happening on stage, slipped seamlessly between portions of dialogue. This commentary is relayed to blind and low-vision patrons via earpieces which are provided at no extra charge to those booking accessibility tickets. Taking place 90 minutes before the audiodescribed performance, the touch tour is a free experience where patrons can walk through the set, touch props, feel costumes and familiarise themselves with visual and sensory materials in the performance. Touch tours are for visually impaired patrons and their companions only. Audio-Described Performance Dates
The Heartbreak Choir Sun 26 Feb, 4pm Witi’s Wāhine Sun 14 May, 4pm King Lear Sun 25 Jun, 4pm Basmati Bitch Sun 23 Jul, 4pm Things That Matter Wed 23 Aug, 7pm Switzerland Sun 1 Oct, 4pm
Acts of Imagination
Acts of Imagination is Auckland Theatre Company’s education programme for schools and kura.
The Acts of Imagination programme includes workshops, Q&A forums with artists, education packs and digital resources.
Production Design
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Image credit: Eleanor Bishop, Mar 17, 2017 How We Made BOYS
— PROCESS —
FIRST WORKSHOP Prior to rehearsals beginning, the cast assembled for a three-day workshop. The goal of this workshop was to introduce the cast to the ideas and process of the project, build the ensemble, and read the Foreskin’s Lament text.
At this first reading, no characters were allocated, each actor took a line followed by the next actor in the circle taking the next line. This exercise allowed for a group to understand the play without focussing on a particular actor’s interpretation.
The cast broke into smaller groups and were each given several news articles relating to a particular case (Veitch, The Chiefs, John Key, etc). They were asked to read the articles and discuss, presenting a summary of the key facts back to the broader group. The directors then led a discussion of the cast’s personal response to the articles. What did they think about the facts of each case? Did they consider it inappropriate? Why or why not? Did it relate to anything in their own lives?
Finally, the groups were introduced to and explored ‘neutrality’ as a performance form. We asked the ensemble to read the Foreskin’s Lament text or quotes from the newspaper articles with as little ‘affect’ as possible. We asked them - how could you make the performance as plain as possible so the audience can hear the words afresh and make up their own mind? In groups they put together ‘mashups’ - combining text from Foreskin’s Lament and the articles to make a piece with new meaning. They also played and practiced rugby for fun.
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Teacher Workshops
Find out more about each play and work alongside our teaching artists to unpack the play for your students.
A pre-show workshop to prepares students to see each play.
Acts of Imagination School Matinees
In 2023, our productions take place at Auckland Theatre Company’s home, the ASB Waterfront Theatre in Wynyard Quarter. After each Acts of Imagination performance, there is a 15-minute Q&A forum with the creative team.
A post-show workshop digs deeper into each production.
Revision Resources
These resources include recordings of key scenes, education packs and digital resources.
