On three dates this spring, Aalto Ballett Essen is using, to name a few things, a pick-up and chaperone service in addition to live audio description via earphones. The 3 audio describers, Jutta Endes, Johanna Krins and Felix Koch, prepared a script for the efficiency beforehand, which describes to the audience what is happening on phase. Jutta Endes will read it out during the efficiencies. She will have a clear view of the stage from a commentary box. Should something untoward take place or the normal program be interrupted– for instance, if a dancer takes a fall– she can react spontaneously and change the audio description appropriately. This allows partially sighted or blind individuals to take part in the events occurring on phase. Two hours before the efficiency, they can participate in a touch trip and walk on the phase. Throughout the trip, they can run their hands over props, parts of the set or costumes such as Carmen’s red dress or ballet shoes. In addition, tactile layout provide an impression of the phase style.
To examine how well the inclusive concept is received by the target group, Aalto Ballett Essen is collaborating with the research system “Vision, Visual Impairments & Loss Of Sight” at TU Dortmund University, where Dr. Regina Moritz is carrying out research within the KUBUS project on cultural participation among blind and partially spotted individuals: “In the past, we mostly looked at access to culture in museums,” she reports. Then she checked out in a newsletter about the production at Aalto Ballett Essen and asked herself: “If we’re currently carrying out research studies on museums, why not in the performing arts as well?”
Expectations were surveyed using a questionnaire
To find out what blind and partly sighted balletgoers desire and expect, the scientists developed a survey. In it, they ask whether and how the touch trip and audio description services made the ballet experienceable for them. At present, there is still little research study on blind and partially sighted visitors in a cultural context that integrates the point of views of individuals worried. “In the future, such standardized studies might help cultural institutions to systematically review their services in regards to barriers and accessibility and to change them in the best and most effective method,” describes Dr. Regina Moritz.
The joint job with Aalto Ballett Essen will run till the final efficiency with audio description in June. “Above all, I’m wishing for answers to the concerns: Are these services worthwhile– for everyone included? And what else can be done to ensure they are beneficial?” explains Dr. Regina Moritz. In her opinion, there is currently still little awareness of how simple and simple it is for cultural institutions to put inclusive services into practice and that these services can likewise use included value to other people. “In reality, producing gain access to via numerous sensory channels appeals to everybody and significantly broadens an institution’s cultural offering,” she states in conclusion.
More info about the ballet “Carmen” (in German just)