Isaac Theatre Royal is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Equal Voices Arts to present “Where Our Shadows Meet,” an intergenerational theatrical experience that explores themes of love, loss, and language.
This innovative performance will take place on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 (evening show), and Wednesday, August 28, 2024 (matinee), at the iconic Isaac Theatre Royal in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Isaac Theatre Royal’s Programme Manager Andy Brigden is excited about the opportunity to work with Equal Voices Arts again.
“We’ve been working with Equal Voice since 2016 – and now they’re coming back with a slightly larger show – This one will be in the Theatre, but it’s still going to be a very intimate experience.”
“Where Our Shadows Meet” seamlessly blends physical storytelling, live instrumental music, New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL), and spoken English.
The cast includes both deaf and hearing performers, ensuring that the performance is accessible and engaging for diverse audiences.
The show promises to be an unforgettable fusion of visual, auditory, and tactile storytelling.
“Even though the performers are a mixed cast of deaf and hearing actors and its entirely in both languages, you don’t need to be hearing impaired to enjoy the show. It’s a show for everyone,” says Andy.
The theatrical event celebrates inclusivity and the power of storytelling. “Where Our Shadows Meet” is more than a performance; it’s a movement towards greater accessibility and understanding in the arts.
“It’s an important production for us because there are limited opportunities for the hearing impaired,” explains Andy. “There’s aren’t many theatre companies doing this work so for us to programme it was really important.”
Staff at the Isaac Theatre Royal are also getting some training around the additional support needed for the show.
“We’re working with the company to do some workshops with our staff – some of the cast and crew are hearing impaired – so there needs to be additional support for them when they arrive at the venue. Also, many in the audience will be hearing impaired so we wanted to have a better understanding of how to meet the needs the audience who will be coming. It’s all about making our space inclusive.”
As well as the two performances there will be a Q&A session after the matinee performance which will be open to everyone after the show.
Where Our Shadows Meet event details:
Evening Show: Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Matinee: Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Venue: Isaac Theatre Royal, Ōtautahi Christchurch
Tickets: Available now here or the ITR box office.