fbpx
Saturday, November 2, 2024

Auslan to play key role in new Coffs musical

The Coffs Harbour Musical Comedy Company has won funding support through the Arts and Cultural Development Grants Program for a performance of We Will Rock You at Jetty Memorial Theatre on November 10. 

The show will feature the music of Queen set in a dystopian universe – with funding from the City of Coffs Harbour Council to provide for an Auslan guide to the show. 

“I commend this project as it’s about inclusion and providing greater access to the performing arts,” said Mayor, Paul Amos.

The Coffs Harbour Musical Comedy Company (CHMCC) is one of seven successful initiatives in the City’s grants program. 

“We first initiated an Auslan-interpreted show in May 2023 with School of Rock. This was a massive success in the local deaf community who all loved the inclusivity of being able to access live theatre locally,” CHMCC secretary, Fiona Shaw said. 

“This form of inclusivity and accessibility means that people who are deaf and use Auslan get to experience live theatre, without the travel expenses of heading to Sydney, or having to pay the cost of the interpreter out of their NDIS funds. 

“I am so thankful to CHMCC and the City of Coffs Harbour for providing the funds that allow the deaf community to attend these events at the cost of a ticket price, rather than them footing the bill for the interpreters.” 

The 2pm performance of We Will Rock You will feature two Auslan interpreters – Terri-Anne Richardson and Rhonda Ebeling – with one signing for the lead role and the other for the support characters. 

Tickets for the show can be purchased here.

Latest Articles