Audio description for (postdramatic) theatre. Preparing the stage

Audio description (AD) is a specific form of media accessibility for all and especially for blind and visually impaired people. The service can be pre-recorded or delivered live. In this article, we focus on live AD for a live performance, more specifically for (postdramatic) theatre, a movement in theatre which brings along specific needs for AD. Given the nature of theatrical signs, AD does not and cannot replace all visual theatrical signs. However, it becomes a sign in its own right. Our hypothesis is that the AD should translate the unique interaction and movement of all the relevant theatrical signs and describe how they affect each other. The article proposes a different place for AD creation, namely during the production process of the performance. This approach accommodates the integration of directorial input. Eventually, we want this research to produce a useful working document that can serve as a guideline for describers. After explaining the concepts of AD and postdramatic theatre, this paper deals with several methodological challenges specific to the theatrical context, which are further illustrated with examples from the theatre in Flanders today. In the conclusion, semiotics are suggested as an appropriate framework for AD.

Publication year:2018

Keywords:A1 Journal article

BOF-keylabel:yes

BOF-publication weight:1

CSS-citation score:1

Authors from:Higher Education

Accessibility:Open