ANVIL THEATRE [Audio Non-VIsuaL Theatre] is a new sensory experience of live theatre for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
A Professional Company dedicated to performing Plays and dramatised adaptations of novels and films specifically for the blind and visually impaired. Performed by professional actors using adapted radio techniques, live sound effects and other sensory stimulation to create total immersion for our audiences through live performance.
We will have an open casting policy, which is based on the voice rather than the physical aspect. This opens up for us a wider range of people to use regardless of disability. The company can utilise an access to work policy to enable disabled actors and technicians to work within the company in all aspects in the company.
HOW WILL IT WORK?
We utilise and adapt radio techniques with the intention of bringing live theatre to the blind and visually impaired. This involves the use of radio plays and live sound FX creating the enjoyment and excitement of a live performance whilst using audio and other forms of non-ocular stimulation to enhance the personal enjoyment of each individual listener.
This will be achieved with a team of performers and a sound engineer. Performers will be both playing parts and/or operating the live and recorded sound FX.
The FX will be a mix of live and recorded pieces with the sound engineer controlling the intensity of the FX and actors, who will be individually miked-up, again creating a depth
and dimension for fuller effect.
We can close our eyes but with a little help, we can still see. We listen to a radio play or reading and we can see it with the strength of a good descriptive narration and performance so why not do it live? Add a few other dimensions and few other techniques which enable the sightless to see. We may not all have sight but we all have an imagination. We feed that imagination and show the “Minds Eye” the pictures. The strength of the actors performances, the realistic sounds, smells and feelings will bring emotions to the listeners to complete the experience.
Our repertoire will consist of Classic & Modern plays, Adaptations of classic novels such as, Little Women, Far From the Madding Crowd, Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, Dracula, Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde, Wind in the Willows, The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, The Lion, the Witch & te Wardrobe. Pantomimes, Christmas Shows and Children’s Plays. Works of Shakespeare, Dickens, Edgar Allen Poe. Other novelists, playwrites and new plays specially written, as they arise. Later we will be adding some Musicals to the list.
WHERE ARE WE BASED
The company is based in Waltham Forest and will use the borough as a platform for all productions before sending them out to other areas.
We are also developing works from other cultures for performance to make this experience a truly multi-cultural one. Using performers from ethnic backgrounds and performing works in
a variety of languages.
Our productions can be an asset to blind or partially sighted students so he/she will enjoy and have access to curriculum subjects and can achieve his/her full potential?
What are the implications of using our productions in schools – what benefits would there be?
We recognise that there are many questions to be answered, experiences to be shared, and that each individual’s needs are unique and changes.
ANVIL THEATRE serves as a source of information, education and entertainment to the visually impaired, young and old.
We can answer any enquiries via the phone or e-mail. Alternatively our web site will be providing online information (fact sheets, case studies, a web-forum, information of upcoming events/activities, and links to other useful online resources). We also organise talks and hot-seating sessions after each production if required.
ABOUT ME
Some years ago I had personally experienced total blindness for a number of weeks. It was the most terrifying experience of my life.
Going to bed with a slight itching and discomfort in my eyes ten waking up in the early hours, my eyes burning, feeling like hot cinders had been placed under my eyelids. The pain was excruciating. Calling out for help, my parents came into my room. I asked them to turn on the lights only to be told that they were and that my eyes were wide open.
After being rushed to emergency, it was discovered I had lacerated eyes caused by over use of my hard contact lenses. Too many hours working and “stupidly” sleeping in them.
An avid theatregoer, I suddenly “saw” what it was like, trying to enjoy theatre. I have a great imagination but elements were missing, such as the quiet moments where visual stimulation filled the gaps. Moments missed by the sightless.
I was lucky that my sight returned but it gave me a slightly better understanding of a sightless world. I can’t pretend to fully understand what its like to be permanently blind from birth or becoming blind for the rest of my life or coming to terms with blindness as my sight was only gone for a few weeks. At that time my head was filled with panic, anger, frustration. Not knowing that my sight would return. My main experience was me coming to terms with my extreme emotions.
For some time now I’ve been trying to come up with something which can be beneficial and I believe this is one of those things without appearing to be patronising.
WHAT ARE OUR AIMS?
Our aims are to provide a unique experience for the blind and visually impaired not only in the local area, but throughout the UK, Ireland, and eventually worldwide.
ANVIL THEATRE is a not for profit organisation.
OTHER PRODUCTIONS
Other productions currently being adapted:
Contact us with your enquiries: Email: anviltheatre@aol.com. Office Mobile: 07857 026938
