A SPECIAL 'relaxed' performance of Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour - West Side Story will give people with a disability and their families a chance to see the show in a welcoming environment.
Opera Australia is putting on the accessible performance on Wednesday April 17.
The event will be adapted - including modifying the sensory environment at the harbourside side - so those who have previously been unable to attend the Handa Opera on Sydney harbour will now have the chance to do so.
The night will be set up as a 'relaxed' performance where guests will be able to come and go from their seats during the show.
They will also have access to a designated 'quiet space' if a break from the show is required.
Support staff will be on hand for anyone wishing to use this area during the performance.
Venue lights will remain on at low levels, and some lighting and sound features of the show may be adjusted minimally, but there are no significant changes to the production.
The performance will also be audio-described and captioned on handheld devices for guests with sight and hearing considerations.
Companion Card ticket bookings are welcome and ticket exchanges will be offered free-of-charge to patrons who have already bought tickets for the performance on April 17 and want to attend on an alternative date.
Opera Australia has worked with Vision Australia, The Captioning Studio and Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) to make the performance possible.
Featuring classic Broadway hits including 'Somewhere,' 'Maria,' 'Something's Coming' and 'Tonight,' this all-singing, all-dancing cast takes on Leonard Bernstein's brilliant score and Jerome Robbins' original electrifying choreography.
As the star-crossed lovers, homegrown stars Alexander Lewis and Julie Lea Goodwin reprise the sizzling chemistry of their performances together in The Merry Widow and The Phantom of the Opera.
Renowned director Francesca Zambello has teamed up with Brian Thomson and Jennifer Irwin to create a new production for the harbour stage.
The production is on track to be the highest-selling production in Opera on Sydney Harbour's history.
Ticket holders can download the GoTheatrical app to access live captions on their mobile or tablet device.
Tickets from $99, phone 9318-8200 or visit opera.org.au
NOTE: Audio-described bookings can be made through Opera Australia, phone 9318-8200 or by emailing ticketing@opera.org.au
Geraldine Cardozo
Features Editor at The Senior.
Features Editor at The Senior.
