In Kyiv, theaters are adapting performances for people with visual impairments using audio description, which is an important step in creating an accessible and barrier-free cultural space for everyone. About this reported KMDA press office.
The Kyiv National Academic Operetta Theater introduces audio description in five performances: “Following Two Hares”, “The Adams Family”, “Only Girls in Jazz”, “Tiger Catchers”, “Dorian Grey”. This service is provided free of charge within the framework of a grant from the Ukrainian Cultural Fund.
Also, the Kyiv Academic Drama Theater in Podil once a month shows performances for people with visual impairments using an audio description system. At the Kyiv Academic Theater on Lypki, the play “Who Grows in the Park” engages the tactile, taste, auditory and olfactory senses of the young audience. In particular, the performance takes into account the perception of people with complete or partial vision loss — “the audience is blindfolded.”
The Kyiv Academic Theater on Pechersk also started showing plays for people with visual impairments. Screenings of two plays have already taken place – “The Art of Negotiating” and “Pepsi Generation”. As noted in the theater, all performances with audio description are held only by prior order.
The Department of Culture of the KMDA added that people with visual impairments have the opportunity not only to watch theater performances, but also to watch movies. In particular, almost 90% of all films have been adapted for them in the Kyiv cultural cluster “Krakow” with the help of special applications – Podyv, Subcatch, Greta and Earcatch.
“Culture is what unites us, preserves our authenticity and passes it on to future generations. However, art should be accessible to everyone, without exception. Accessibility in the field of culture is not only about convenience, but also about the right of every person to feel part of society.
Theaters, movies, exhibitions are tools of social adaptation that help people with limited mobility to integrate into an active life.” – emphasized Maryna Honda, the deputy head of the KMDA for the exercise of self-governing powers and the person responsible for barrier-free issues.
Photo: suspilne.media
