The 2018 Sydney Festival program is available in the following alternative formats: - MP3, download or stream here - PDF, click here to download - Interactive PDF, view here - Word document in large print format, click here to download - Braille (please contact Sydney Festival on 1300 856 876 or email access@sydneyfestival.org.au) - Audio CD (please contact Vision Australia on 1300 847 466)
Podcast: In 2018, we've launched a podcast series. Hear Festival Director Wesley Enoch talk about the accessible and inclusive shows in the program here.
Audio description is a service provided for patrons who are blind or have low vision. Audio describers give live, verbal descriptions of actions, costumes, scenery, and other visual elements of a performance. This is done during gaps in the dialogue via a small earpiece, provided to patrons pre-show. The audio description begins 10 minutes prior to the performance, and provides program details together with descriptions of costumes and stage settings. Patrons must book the service in advance and pick up a free FM headset on arrival.
TACTILE TOURS Tactile tours allow patrons who are blind or have low vision to have a hands-on experience. Depending on the production/installation, patrons are given access to costumes, props and stage set in order to capture the atmosphere of the work. Tactile tours occur before the performance. Patrons must book in advance.
DANCE/THEATRE You Animal, You Force Majeure explores what makes us human in a powerful, sensory new work. Carriageworks Bay 20 7 January, 2pm. The tactile tour will start at 1pm, bookings essential.
CIRCUS Model Citizens The always innovative Circus Oz returns with an all-new ensemble and artistic director to subvert the suburban Australian dream with biting satire, awesome physicality and an impressive cast of daredevil acrobats, mesmerising aerialists, cheeky characters and a thumping live band.
Circus Oz Big Top, Prince Alfred Square, Parramatta 12 January, 7.30pm (tactile tour starts at 6.45pm) and 20 January, 1.30pm (tactile tour starts at 12.45pm).
Audio description provided by Vision Australia.
INSTALLATION Jurassic Plastic Jurassic Plastic is art for both kids and grown-ups – a fun exercise in creativity and nostalgia, while contemplating mass consumerism.
Sydney Town Hall 14 January, 10.30am (a tactile tour of the installation for all ages. Booking essential).
THEATRE The Wider Earth This ambitious collaboration is a visually stunning reimagining of Charles Darwin’s voyage on the HMS Beagle. It’s brought to life by an award-winning cast and astonishing custom-built puppets, with original music by Lior and Tony Buchen.
Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House 24 January, 1.30pm (tactile tour starts at 12.15pm)
Audio description by Stephen McCauley.
THEATRE Barber Shop Chronicles A fresh, funny and honest play about the hangouts where African men can be themselves, direct from the National Theatre in London.
York Theatre, Seymour Centre 27 January, 2pm (tactile tour starts at 12.30pm) Audio description provided by Vision Australia
PRE-SHOW NOTES Pre-show notes are available upon request for any production. Please email access@sydneyfestival.org.au.
SUITABLE FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR HAVE LOW VISION
THEATRE World Without Us A powerful, meditative work that ponders what the world would be like if all humans vanished.
Carriageworks Bay 20 This production is mainly an auditory storytelling experience with some visuals and therefore suitable for people who are blind or have low vision.
ASSISTANCE ANIMALS Assistance animals are welcome at all Festival events and venues, bookings are essential. If you are blind or have low vision and want to attend an event at Sydney Festival, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT can provide you with free training on how to travel safely from any location to your event at the Festival. Call 1800 804 805 to discuss your travel needs.
RELAXED PERFORMANCES Relaxed performances are open to everyone but have been specially adapted for children and young people who would benefit from a more relaxed atmosphere, including those on the autism spectrum. They have slight modifications to sound and lighting, downloadable pre-visit social stories, support aids and an open-door policy with a dedicated quiet area.
THEATRE/FAMILY
Alice in Wonderland Lewis Carroll’s whirling, fantastical masterpiece is faithfully and beautifully recreated as a nonstop, madcap theatrical adventure for the whole family.
INSTALLATION Jurassic Plastic Jurassic Plastic is art for both kids and grown-ups – a fun exercise in creativity and nostalgia, while contemplating mass consumerism. A dedicated quiet area will be available throughout the installation dates.
ASSISTIVE LISTENING Many venues have an induction hearing loop system or FM radio system available. Visit sydneyfestival.org.au/venues for venue information.
AUSLAN INTERPRETED PERFORMANCE Auslan interpreted performances are for audiences who are Deaf and use Australian Sign Language (Auslan). Experienced Auslan theatre interpreters stand to the side of the stage and interpret dialogue and any text into Auslan, signing live. Audiences requiring this service are seated in the section closest to the interpreter to ensure good sightlines.
DANCE You Animal, You Force Majeure explores what makes us human in a powerful, sensory new work.
Carriageworks Bay 20 7 January, 2pm
CIRCUS Model Citizens The always innovative Circus Oz returns with an all-new ensemble and artistic director to subvert the suburban Australian dream with biting satire, awesome physicality and an impressive cast of daredevil acrobats, mesmerising aerialists, cheeky characters and a thumping live band.
Circus Oz Big Top, Prince Alfred Square, Parramatta 12 January, 7.30pm and 20 January, 1.30pm
CABARET RIOT This acclaimed Irish variety show melds high art and trash culture in a disorderly cocktail of partying and politics. With an all-star cast including famed drag queen Panti Bliss, RIOT is a dazzling blend of dance, drag, circus, comedy and powerful spoken word.
Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent, Meriton Festival Village 17 January, 7.30pm
THEATRE Tribunal Artists, lawyers, leaders and activists put Australia’s colonial past and refugee policies on trial.
Carriageworks Track 8 20 January, 6pm
CABARET Briefs: Close Encounters The talented and bearded boylesque superstars return in a sci-fi spectacle of seductive artistry.
Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent, Meriton Festival Village 24 January, 10pm
THEATRE Wild Bore Three edgy performers return fire at their critics with biting and hilarious swagger.
Carriageworks Bay 20 26 January, 6.45pm
THEATRE Fleabag Filthy, funny and unflinching, Fleabag’s modern anti-heroine tackles lust, grief and guinea pigs.
Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances with interpreters, Auslan interpretation on this performance is cancelled.
CAPTIONING Theatre captioning is an accurate live text display of a theatre performance in its entirety, including actors’ dialogue, ad libs, asides, song lyrics, musical descriptions and other sound effects, displayed either on large screens at the side of the stage, or via GoTheatrical! mobile app. THEATRE Barber Shop Chronicles A fresh, funny and honest play about the hangouts where African men can be themselves, direct from the National Theatre in London.
York Theatre, Seymour Centre 21 January, 5pm (post show Q+A session is also captioned)
THEATRE The Wider Earth This ambitious collaboration is a visually stunning reimagining of Charles Darwin’s voyage on the HMS Beagle. It’s brought to life by an award-winning cast and astonishing custom-built puppets, with original music by Lior and Tony Buchen.
Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House 24 January, 7.30pm
Please note that captioning for The Wider Earth will be via the GoTheatrical! app only. To receive captions, simply download the GoTheatrical! app on your mobile or tablet device prior to the performance.
VISUAL CONTENT A guide for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
Events that are accessible to people of all abilities. Bookings are essential. To ensure we are fully inclusive, please let us know of any specific access requirements before attending the event.
WORKSHOP Aerialize workshops Free hands-on workshops for all ages and abilities from Sydney’s leading circus training centre. Soar, swing, bounce and balance in Aerialize’s fully-accessible range of workshops, covering everything from aerial skills, juggling and hula hoops to discovering your inner acrobat and clown. Riverside Theatres Courtyard 12-21 January Free, registration required
Includes Thisability 20 January at 11.15am 45 mins An all-access workshop for kids with special needs and support with a strong focus on tactile environments and textured equipment to play with and explore. Recommended for ages 4+.
Sydney Festival ensures that its venues are as physically accessible as possible.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS
For access information on specific venues visit sydneyfestival.org.au/venues
Four Thousand Fish at Barangaroo Reserve Access to the artwork on Nawi Cove is via a floating pontoon. Please be aware, at low tide the gangway accessing this pontoon will be at its steepest. Patrons with walking difficulties or who use wheelchairs who wish to take advantage of the easier access provided by high tide should consider scheduling their visit for the following dates and times:
Saturday 13 January 7pm Sunday 14 January 8pm Friday 26 January 4.30pm Saturday 27 January 5.30pm Sunday 28 January 6.30pm At all other times staff will be available to assist visitors.
Ghost Train A cart on Ghost Train has been designed for wheelchair users. However, some weight and dimension restrictions apply.
Wheelchair and occupant will need to weigh less than 300kg, and will need to fit within certain dimensions. Click here to see a plan for further details. Karaoke Carousel There is restricted access to Karaoke Carousel for patrons who use wheelchairs. Due to lack of sufficient space on the carousel for patrons to remain in their wheelchairs, visitors will need to be able to transfer from their wheelchair to a horse or gondola to experience the ride. Please discuss your specific access requirements with the carousel staff at the venue.
Monroe & Associates Although the caravan used in Monroe & Associates is inaccessible to patrons who use wheelchairs, wheelchair patrons will be able to experience the show in a specifically designed space adjacent to the caravan. They will engage with the show’s tangible elements and take on the role of Frankie Monroe. A companion may be required to potentially assist in a few instances.
The 8.30pm sessions on Wednesday 10 and 17 January are available for wheelchair bookings. If these dates are not suitable, alternative sessions may be available on request (session time will always be 8.30pm). Please contact access@sydneyfestival.org.au to process your booking, make a request or for further information.
At Symphony Under the Stars a viewing area for patrons with accessibility needs is located at the front on the right side as you look at the stage. Friends and family are also welcome in the designated viewing area. The precinct is relatively flat with a mix of grass and paved surfaces. Accessible amenities are available. A drop off and pick up area and accessible parking (for MPS permit holders) is at the O’Connell Street carpark. No is booking required.
Bookings are essential for all accessible services.
To discuss your access requirements and to book any access services or performances, please call Sydney Festival on 1300 856 876 or email access@sydneyfestival.org.au.
Please note our call centre opening hours: October-December: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm January: Monday-Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am-2pm
We encourage booking tickets prior to Friday 15 December 2017. Seats cannot be guaranteed after this date although we will always do our best to accommodate your request.
Sydney Festival is happy to receive phone calls via the National Relay Service. TTY users, phone 133 677, then ask for 02 8248 6500. Speak and Listen users, phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 02 8248 6500. Internet relay users, visit relayservice.gov.au, then ask for 02 8248 6500.
All access performance tickets and designated wheelchair spaces will be sold at the lowest price in the house for that performance. To book wheelchair seating for Tree of Codes please contact the ICC Sydney bookings line, managed by Ticketek on 1300 665 915.
Bookings for Auslan interpreted and captioned performances can be made online by entering the promotional code ACCESS2018 during purchase.
Sydney Festival supports the Companion Card program. For patrons who require assistance of a companion or carer, a second ticket is issued at no cost to the Companion Card holder. Please contact Sydney Festival directly on 02 8248 6500 to assist with your booking.
Your feedback helps us continue to improve our access program and services. Please get in touch with us on 1300 856 876 or access@sydneyfestival.org.au if you have any queries or suggestions regarding accessibility at Sydney Festival.
