Offer of Audio Description and Sign-Language Interpretation Increases in Shows Across São Paulo

06/05/2015 - 09h34

Concert venues and companies from São Paulo have increased the number of performances with audio description and Brazilian Sign-Language (Libras) interpretation.

At the beginning of a tribute to Michael Jackson performed on Sunday (31/5), for example, Rafaella Sessenta, 32, stretches her arms and legs in a corner next to the stage.

She is a Libras interpreter and has been working in cultural events for the last eight years. She says it is necessary to interpret to deaf guests the lyrics and also the rhythm of the music.

To get into the rhythm of the pop star, she dances (even mimics the arched hands of "Thriller") and represents the instruments that stand out: she strums a guitar and copies the drummer's movements.

Meanwhile, the audio describer, Livia Motta, 62, is in a booth at the back of the audience. Her job is to tell the blind viewers, provided with headphones, what happens on stage.

In the script, she says, she also talks about the songs, the artist and the choreography.

Systems analyst Talita Spulveda, 29, who lost her sight five years ago, believes the cultural options for the disabled are growing. She says she attended more shows with audio description in 2015 than in the previous two years.

According to the museologist and accessibility consultant Amanda Tojal, there has been an increase in this kind of performances in the past five years.

Not only as a way of attracting the public, but also as a result of public biddings, which often require the attractions offer accessibility to the disabled.

Dance events also try to adapt. In May, the company Black Swan performed with audio description.  

Since 2013, the dance company São Paulo Cia. de Dança offers sessions for the blind.

A year ago, the company started using the application WhatsCine: the audience can follow the performance with audio description, subtitles or sign-language interpretation on mobile phones and tablets.

In some sessions, blind guests can arrive earlier and touch the scenery and costumes, in addition to feel the dancer's movements in an articulated doll.  

Translated by JULIANA CALDERARI

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