Miss Saigon to debut audio description at the Civic
United by love, divided by war; Miss Saigon is an epic love story set in war-torn Saigon in 1975.
On Tuesday 7 June this performance will be audio described live to 50 ticket holders, seated amongst a wider audience at the Auckland’s Civic Theatre.
This audio description event is part of an exciting new initiative by THE EDGE, called ‘SIGNAL’, which is about reaching a broader audience through accessibility. Along with the audio described performance of Miss Saigon, there will be a sign language interpreted performance of Silo Theatre’s The Brothers Size on 1 June.
And this is just the beginning; THE EDGE intends to continue with a full programme of audio described and sign language interpreted performances over coming months.
THE EDGE Audio Described Performances
During audio described events, trained audio describers will provide a live, objective and succinct description of the action and visual elements of the performance, which is heard by participating patrons through an earpiece attached to a pocket-sized radio. Introductory notes are read prior to the performance, these include a description of set, props, costumes and characters.
Touch Tours are also held before each audio described performance where patrons are able to walk through the set, touch set pieces, feel the costume textures and handle key props. Touch Tours are available on a strictly limited basis, and offered on a first booked, first served basis to patrons.
Event details
Date and venue: Tuesday 7 June, The Civic, THE EDGE, Auckland.
Ticket prices: $35 - $82.90 (service fees apply).
Bookings: Email groups@the-edge.co.nz or call 09 357 3354.
Availability: Tickets for this event are limited to 50 seats with headsets, and for technical purposes, allocated seats are located in the Stalls section of The Civic.
Companions: For patrons that require companions, half-price companion tickets are available and allocated within the reserved section.
Timing: Headsets can be collected from the foyer at approximately 6.30pm. Doors will open for audio description patrons at 6.45pm. Introductory notes will be read at 7.15pm in the theatre via the headsets, in time for the show to begin at 7.30pm.
Touch Tour: This will take place at 5:30pm and is limited to 15 people (plus companions). Patrons are recommended to bring a sighted guide if possible.
About Miss Saigon
Amidst the turmoil of the Vietnam War, an American GI and a Vietnamese girl fall in love, only to be separated during the fall of Saigon. Their struggle to find each other over the ensuing years ends in her making the ultimate sacrifice for the child he never knew he had.
Raw and uncompromising, Miss Saigon is an intensely personal story of the losses we suffer and the sacrifices we make. From the creators of Les Miserables, and starring an all New Zealand cast and full orchestra, this Broadway blockbuster is a classic love story of epic proportions.
