Amdram Theatre Whanganui is proud to present their first ever show accessible in New Zealand Sign Language.
Creative Communities New Zealand & Whanganui District Council have granted the funding required to employ Platform Interpreting New Zealand to provide a NZSL interpreted performance of The Phantom of the Opera, going on stage at the Royal Whanganui Opera House from September 17-25.
"We are so lucky to be working with Kelly and her team from Platform Interpreting NZ. She is so passionate and caring, and it is wonderful that we can bring this opportunity to the deaf and HOH community of our region," says director Graham Dack.
Kelly has been working on performing stage shows and musicals for the deaf community since 2004 and says it is important that we create these opportunities for people who would otherwise miss out.
"Deaf people have often told me that they are so excited to be able to enjoy something new with their families, which they would normally never get to do — entertainment is such a joyful and important part of life and relationships, and when it's not accessible to the deaf community, it just becomes something that they don't participate in."