International guests to make Adelaide arts accessible

The Disability and Arts Transition Team (DATT), supported by funding fromArts SA, brings to Adelaide UK audio describer Willie Elliott and directorDaryl Beeton to present a series of workshops, forums and training tolocal performers, writers, theatre-makers and arts organisations.

Renowned professional audio describer Willie Elliot will deliver a forum "What isAudio Description? and run professional audio description training. Willie hasextensive experience in all aspects of audio description, including theatre, opera,

dance, circus, visual arts, architecture, live events, TV, film and online.

Audio Description captures the visual elements of a theatre piece; painting orenvironment that a blind or vision impaired person might otherwise miss, describingthem in clear, vivid language. Through a small radio receiver, the patron receives aspoken description of visual elements by a trained audio describer.

Joining Willie will be disabled artist Daryl Beeton, Artistic Director of London-based inclusive theatre company Kazzum. Daryl will be delivering threeworkshops that explore the idea of integrating access elements into thecreation of performance. Participants will be encouraged to think aboutaccess and to engage in discussion about the possibilities of inclusive artisticproduct at all workshops and events.

Gaelle Mellis, DATT Sector Liaison explains, “By bringing these two leaders ininclusive arts practice to Adelaide, we hope to show local artists andorganisations that by using innovative approaches to accessibility has a bigimpact on audiences.”

“Access is more than ramps. When access elements such as sign language,captioning and audio description become a priority, as opposed to somethingthat is simply 'slapped on' at the end, it can be visually and intellectuallyinteresting in a theatrical context."

The public speaking program will offer four FREE seminars/workhops;

- What is Audio Description?

A forum explaining how the visual is made verbal forBlind or vision impaired audiences. Tuesday 9 August 2011 at the Art Gallery ofSA, North Terrace, ADELAIDE.

- Making Inclusive Theatre for Young People

Exploring how 'Disability' enriches thecreative experience for young audiences. Wednesday 10 August at CarclewYouth Arts 11 Jeffcott St, NORTH ADELAIDE.

- The Aesthetics of Access for Writers

Discussions on the creative opportunitiesdisabled characters and access can bring to writing. Thursday 11 August at SAWriters Centre - 187 Rundle Street, ADELAIDE.

- The Aesthetics of Access

A workshop for directors and performance makers todiscover an "accessible aesthetic. Friday 12 August 2011 at a venue to beadvised.

Gaelle says, “The residency will stimulate discourse and understanding in relation tothe practice of aesthetic access and the language of performance and will be aunique opportunity for artists to extend their practice and to find new forms throughwhich to tell stories.”

To take part in any of these opportunities to greatly enhance their understanding ofcreating more accessible work, people can contact Martin Sawtell, DATT ProjectOfficer by phone 08 8231 0900 or email msawtell@cansa.net.au.

About the Guest Artists

Daryl Beeton is a disabled director and performer, who started his career atCentral Television Drama Workshop, in Nottingham (UK), where he performed ina variety of Children's TV shows. In 2006 he became Artistic Director for Kazzum,an integrated theatre company creating playful theatre in unusual places foryoung audiences. Since joining Kazzum Daryl has directed The Boy Who GrewFlowers a touring show for 4--8 year olds that explored disability and difference,HUNT a site specific/promenade piece that looks at the effect of war foraudiences aged 10+, Beginning With Blobs a dance piece for 4--8 year oldsinspired by Darwin's theory of evolution. Kazzum also run outreach and education projects across London that celebrates difference and diversity. As arecognition of his work in this field Daryl has recently been named as a CulturalLeader as part of the Independent Streets Arts Networks Outdoor ArtsLeadership Network.

Willie Elliott first started working as an audio describer in 2001 with GraeaeTheatre Company(UK) and now is regularly associated with the company eitheras a describer or adviser on description for various productions. He became aregular describer for the UKs biggest audio description company, Vocaleyes,and describes The Lion King, Jersey Boys and many productions. For OperaNorth he described their productions of Tosca and A Midsummer Night’sDream. Willie has described many films festivals, outdoor events and exhibitions.

The residency of Daryl Beeton and Willie Elliott has been supported by Arts SA’sIndependent Makers program.