Case study: an audio-described performance of The Pohutukawa Tree
9 March 2011
Sarah Adams graduated from Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School in 2010 with a Bachelor of Performing Arts (Management). As production manager of The Pohutukawa Tree, Toi Whakaari's graduating production, she took up the challenge of providing an audio-described performance of this iconic New Zealand play.
As production manager, Sarah’s job was to manage crew, budget and resources. That meant overseeing all the behind-the-scene elements such as the lighting, sound, set design, props and costumes.
Getting involved in the audio description came about when the Wellington branch of the Association of Blind Citizens of New Zealand asked Toi Whakaari about doing audio-described performances.
“I was asked if I’d be interested in taking it on,” Sarah says. “I was really keen, partly because it was a challenge and partly because my nana has been blind for the past five years. I know how much she misses the things she used to do, like going to the theatre.”
In a case study about the project, she talks to Arts Access Aotearoa about the challenges and rewards of providing an audio-described performance.
