A Toronto theatre company is making significant strides in accessibility for d/Deaf audience members by providing augmented reality glasses for every performance of a new four-week production.
Pleiades Theatre announced the world premiere of Tyson’s Song at Factor Theatre will have the glasses available for every show to provide a more immersive theatre-going experience.
The theatre company says this marks the first time a Toronto theatre has offered the AR glasses at every performance of a production.
“Deaf access in Toronto often takes the form of ASL interpretation at the side of the stage, and usually limited to three or four performances in total during the run of a show,” Artistic Executive Director of Pleiades Theatre Ash Knight said in a press release.
“This technology allows us to offer ASL interpretation at every single show during our four-week run. It also means that folks can watch the action on the stage without having to look in a completely different location for interpretation – a notable step forward in accessibility for theatre audiences.”
Pleiades said it is working with Deaf Community Consultant Gaitrie Persaud to guide this inaugural program.
The AR glasses provide high-quality display and ergonomic design, and five pairs of glasses will be available at each performance.
The Government of Canada’s Community Services Recovery Fund allowed the theatre company to invest in the hardware and the processes required to acquire the glasses.
Tyson’s Song, by Peter N. Bailey, and directed by Knight, tells the story of two Black men, Bryan and Tyson, who are best friends.
On their last boys night out, the evening doesn’t go as planned and the men are faced with examining their pasts and their friendship, while exploring the themes of Black masculinity and mental health.
The production is running from April 24 to May 19 at Factory Theatre. Tickets are pay-what-you-choose starting from $5, at PleiadesTheatre.org or FactoryTheatre.ca. AR glasses can be requested on a first-come, first-served basis when booking tickets.
