On 3 dates this spring, Aalto Ballett Essen is providing, to name a few things, a pick-up and chaperone service along with live audio description through earphones. The 3 audio describers, Jutta Endes, Johanna Krins and Felix Koch, prepared a script for the performance in advance, which describes to the audience what is happening on phase. Jutta Endes will read it out throughout the performances. She will have a clear view of the stage from a commentary box. Must something untoward take place or the typical program be interfered with– for instance, if a dancer takes a fall– she can react spontaneously and change the audio description appropriately. This permits partly sighted or blind people to take part in the events taking place on stage. Two hours before the performance, they can take part in a touch tour and walk on the phase. During the tour, they can run their turn over props, parts of the set or costumes such as Carmen’s red gown or ballet shoes. In addition, tactile layout give them an impression of the stage design.
To examine how well the inclusive idea is gotten by the target group, Aalto Ballett Essen is teaming up with the research study system “Vision, Visual Problems & Loss Of Sight” at TU Dortmund University, where Dr. Regina Moritz is conducting research study within the KUBUS job on cultural participation among blind and partially sighted individuals: “In the past, we primarily took a look at access to culture in museums,” she reports. Then she read in a newsletter about the production at Aalto Ballett Essen and asked herself: “If we’re already carrying out research studies on museums, why not in the carrying out arts also?”
Expectations were surveyed utilizing a survey
To learn what blind and partially spotted balletgoers desire and anticipate, the researchers established 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 on blind and partially spotted visitors in a cultural context that incorporates the perspectives of the people concerned. “In the future, such standardized studies could help cultural organizations to methodically review their services in regards to barriers and ease of access and to adjust them in the best and most efficient method,” describes Dr. Regina Moritz.
The joint task with Aalto Ballett Essen will run until the final efficiency with audio description in June. “Above all, I’m expecting responses to the questions: Are these services worthwhile– for everybody involved? And what else can be done to make sure they are worthwhile?” explains Dr. Regina Moritz. In her opinion, there is currently still little awareness of how simple and uncomplicated it is for cultural organizations to put inclusive services into practice and that these services can likewise offer included worth to other people. “In reality, creating access by means of a number of sensory channels appeals to everyone and vastly expands an organization’s cultural offering,” she says in conclusion.
More details about the ballet “Carmen” (in German only)