The 2017 Sydney Festival program will be available in the following alternative formats: - MP3, click here to download - PDF, click here to download - Interactive PDF, view here - Word document in large print format, click here to download - Braille (please contact Sydney Festival on 1300 856 876 or email access@sydneyfestival.org.au) - Audio CD (please contact Vision Australia on 1300 847 466)
Audio describers give live, verbal descriptions of actions, costumes, scenery, and other visual elements of a performance. This is done during gaps in the dialogue via a small earpiece, provided to patrons pre-show. The audio description begins 10 minutes prior to the performance, and provides program details together with descriptions of costumes and stage settings. Patrons must book the service in advance and pick up a free FM headset on arrival.
THEATRE The Season Set during the muttonbird harvesting season this is a family get-together we can all relate to, filled with shenanigans, laughter, truths and tears.
Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House 13 January, 7.30pm. No tactile tour.
Audio described by Emma Bedford.
MUSICAL Ladies in Black Tim Finn’s smash hit award winning show that has all the shine and sparkle of Broadway. This swanky new home-grown musical is a whirling, toe-tapping trip back in time to Sydney in the late 1950s.
Thursday 19 January, 8pm & Saturday 21 January, 2pm Sydney Lyric at The Star
No tactile tour.
Audio described by Vision Australia.
THEATRE Home Country Staged in a multi-level car park in Blacktown, Home Country is a theatrical triptych that explores place, identity, and what it means to be home.
Colo Lane Car Park, Blacktown 20 January, 6.30pm
No tactile tour.
Audio described by Emma Bedford.
TACTILE TOURS Tactile tours allow patrons who are blind or have low vision to have a hands-on experience. Depending on the production/installation, patrons are given access to costumes, props and stage set in order to capture the atmosphere of the work. Tactile tours occur before the performance. Patrons must book in advance.
THEATRE
The Encounter Transmitted direct to the audience through headphones, the show’s groundbreaking sound design plugs into the power of imagination as we’re transported into the humid depths of the Amazon. Although there is a visual element to this production, it can still be enjoyed by patrons who are blind or have low vision.
Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House 27 January, 7.30pm
The pre-show audio description and tactile tour will start at 6pm, the performance itself will not be live audio described. Meeting point is the Drama Theatre doors.
Audio described by Emma Bedford.
PRE-SHOW NOTES Pre-show notes are available upon request for any production. Please email access@sydneyfestival.org.au.
ASSISTANCE ANIMALS Assistance animals are welcome at all Festival events and venues. Bookings are essential. If you are blind or have low vision and want to attend an event at Sydney Festival, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT can provide you with free training on how to travel safely from any location to your event at the Festival. Call 1800 804 805 to discuss your travel needs.
RELAXED PERFORMANCES Relaxed performances are designed to create a safe and welcoming environment for children on the autism spectrum or other disabilities that create sensory sensitivities, along with their friends, carers and families. Performances are provided in a supportive and non-judgemental environment, with slight modifications to sound and lighting, an open door policy and a quiet area available. A downloadable pre-visit social story will be available online, and support aids will be available at the entrance to the venue.
CIRCUS
Kaleidoscope Ethan was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at four. On stage, he’s joined by five circus performers and together they explore the colour, chaos and incredible beauty of his world.
Lennox Theatre, Riverside Theatres 13-15, 17-18 January, all performances
CIRCUS Tipping Point Five performers push themselves to the limit on five metre metal poles that transform into a myriad of walkways, pillars and pendulums.
Spaghetti Circus Big Top, Prince Alfred Square 21 January, 2.30pm
ASSISTIVE LISTENING Many venues have an induction hearing loop system or FM radio system available. Visit sydneyfestival.org.au/2017/getting-around for venue information.
AUSLAN INTERPRETED PERFORMANCE Auslan interpreted performances are for audiences who are Deaf and use Australian Sign Language (Auslan). Experienced Auslan theatre interpreters stand to the side of the stage and translate the text and dialogue into Auslan, signing live. Audiences requiring this service are seated in the section closest to the interpreter to ensure good sightlines.
CABARET
Briefs Fresh from sell-out seasons in Berlin and London and described as the love child of Ru Paul’s Drag Race and Cirque du Soleil, this is an Aussie sharp-shooting cabaret of burlesque with balls.
Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent, Meriton Festival Village 8 January, 9.30pm
THEATRE
Home Country Staged in a multi-level car park in Blacktown, Home Country is a theatrical triptych that explores place, identity, and what it means to be home.
Colo Lane Car Park, Blacktown 14 January, 6.30pm
THEATRE
You and Me and the Space Between This is a magical tale of an adventurous girl that unfolds live in front of your eyes as cartoonist Cathy Wilcox (SMH, The Age) draws the pictures, while the story is narrated by Raelee Hill.
Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent, Meriton Festival Village 22 January at 7.30pm
LIVE THEATRE CAPTIONING Theatre captioning is an accurate live text display of a theatre performance in its entirety, including actors’ dialogue, ad libs, asides, song lyrics, musical descriptions and other sound effects, displayed either on large screens at the side of the stage, or via GoTheatrical! mobile app.
THEATRE
Prize Fighter Get ringside for a rare theatrical combo: engrossing storytelling paired with the visceral thrill of live boxing in adrenaline pumping, full-contact theatre. To receive captions, simply download the GoTheatrical! mobile app on your iPhone or Android.
Upstairs, Belvoir St Theatre 14 January, 2pm
MUSICAL
Ladies in Black Tim Finn’s smash hit award winning show that has all the shine and sparkle of Broadway. This swanky new home-grown musical is a whirling, toe-tapping trip back in time to Sydney in the late 1950s.
Sydney Lyric at The Star 21 January, 2pm
DANCE
Blood on the Dancefloor When Aboriginal choreographer, dancer and writer Jacob Boehme was diagnosed with HIV he reached out to his ancestors in search of answers.
Bay 20, Carriageworks 24 January, 6pm
THEATRE
The Encounter Transmitted direct to the audience through headphones, the show’s groundbreaking sound design plugs into the power of imagination as we’re transported into the humid depths of the Amazon. Captions via GoTheatrical! mobile app only.
Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House 25 January, 7.30pm
Bookings for Auslan interpreted and live theatre captioned performances can be made online - please see the BOOKING section below for further info.
SURTITLED PERFORMANCES Foreign language performances are surtitled, with the translation of dialogue displayed on a screen above the stage.
OPERA
King Roger Watching his wife dance under the stranger’s spell, King Roger struggles with his own passions: choosing between the sacred love he knows and the sensuous, glittering realm of hedonism the shepherd preaches.
Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House 20, 28, 31 January & 2, 4, 8, 11, 15 February, all performances
In Polish with English surtitles
THEATRE
Measure for Measure This piercing production delves into the depths of an unpredictable city to dissect the nature of government, love and justice. It’s Shakespeare mixed with modern-dress and Russian theatre traditions.
Roslyn Packer Theatre, Walsh Bay 7–11 January, all performances
In Russian with English surtitles
VISUAL CONTENT A guide for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
5. ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE Performances and workshops that are accessible to people of all abilities. Bookings are essential. To ensure we are fully inclusive, please let us know of any specific access requirements before attending the event.
THEATRE/INSTALLATION Imagined Touch Deafblind artists provide an insight into a world without sight or sound, in a unique sensory performance. Wearing goggles and headphones that restrict light and sound – and through intensified tactile communication – experience the artists’ stories.
So we can tailor the experience for you, please inform us of any access requirements you have when you book your tickets. Email access@sydneyfestival.org.au or call 1300 856 876.
Imagined Touch is also presented as a tactile installation where you can get an insight into the Deafblind experience.
WORKSHOP Circus for everyone – Hang around with Aerialize! A free program of over 20 circus workshops presented by Aerialize that includes classes for everyone from tiny tots to seniors and for all abilities. Includes HANDS ON CIRCUS: THISABILITY! - a session on 21 January at 10.30am specifically for kids aged 4+ with disability with a strong focus on tactile environments and textured equipment to play with and explore.
Courtyard, Riverside Theatres 13-15 January & 20-22 January
WORKSHOP Ockham’s Razor Aerial Theatre Workshop for people with disability This is an inclusive aerial theatre workshop which offers the chance to experience the thrill of the circus in a safe, friendly environment. The workshop is open to all people who identify as disabled or Deaf.
Spaghetti Circus Big Top, Prince Alfred Square 22 January, 10am
WORKSHOP Kaleidoscope Workshops Led by artists from Kaleidoscope, participants will enjoy structured and creative play to discover their imaginative potential. A hands-on art and performance experience for ages 10–16 of all abilities. The session on 17 January is identified specifically for children on the Autism spectrum.
Lennox Theatre, Riverside Theatres 14, 17 & 18 January
TALK Circus and Access One of three panel discussions as part of the Circus City program, exploring conversations around the circus arts and access for people with disability.
Sydney Festival ensures that its venues are as physically accessible as possible.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS
All venues in the 2017 program are wheelchair accessible. Designated wheelchair spaces (where available) are sold at the lowest price in the house for that performance (excluding PJ Harvey and Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds).
At Symphony Under the Stars and Opera in The Domain, an accessible viewing area for patrons with accessibility requirements is located on the eastern side of The Domain between towers 6 and 7. Friends and family are also welcome in the designated viewing area.
The Domain precinct is relatively flat but does have inclining and declining sealed pathways throughout. We provide accessible amenities, a drop-off and pick-up area and limited parking close to this viewing area for MPS permit holders. Registration is essential to access the viewing and parking area.
Bookings can be made from Thursday 17 November 2016 on 02 8006 5700.
At Symphony Under the Stars a viewing area for patrons with accessibility needs is located at the front on the right side as you look at the stage. Friends and family are also welcome in the designated viewing area. The precinct is relatively flat with a mix of grass and paved surfaces. Accessible amenities are available. A drop off and pick up area and accessible parking (for MPS permit holders) is at the O’Connell Street carpark. No is booking required.
All venues in The Meriton Festival Village are wheelchair accessible.
The Magic Mirrors Speigeltent offers priority entry for people with specific access needs. Click here to download an access map for the Meriton Festival Village.
Download the Accessible Performance Guide and Accessible Performance Calendar above.
Bookings are essential for all accessible services. Bookings for Auslan interpreted and live theatre captioned performances can be made online by entering the promotional code Access2017 during purchase.
To discuss your access requirements and to book all other access services or performances, please call Sydney Festival’s reception on 1300 856 876 or email access@sydneyfestival.org.au
Sydney Festival is happy to receive phone calls via the National Relay Service. TTY users, phone 133 677, then ask for 1300 856 876. Speak and Listen users, phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 1300 856 876. Internet relay users, visit relayservice.gov.au, then ask for 1300 856 876.
Please assist us by making bookings for accessible performances by Friday 16 December 2016.
Sydney Festival supports the Companion Card program. For patrons who require assistance of a companion or carer, a second ticket is issued at no cost to the Companion Card holder. Please contact Sydney Festival directly on 1300 856 876 to assist with your booking.
We would love your feedback in order to continue, improving our access program and services. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us on 1300 856 876 or access@sydneyfestival.org.au if you have any queries or suggestions regarding accessibility at Sydney Festival.
