Relaxed Performances

All performances of Songs of the Wayfarer are Relaxed. For this production, this means:

• You are free to sit where you like (including on the beanbags and cushions, and seats on the stage
• You can leave and come back …or leave and don’t come back
• Please feel free to vocalise or stim in a way that is safe for you
• There will be a box of access aids (including dark glasses, ear defenders and fidget toys in the foyer before the show). Please borrow whatever you need; please return them after the performance
• You are also welcome to bring your own access aid.

Entering the stage area

• When you come into the theatre, Claire will already be on stage
• She will be moving around and may come and talk to you
• On stage, there will be a big mountain sculpture made out of crutches. Please do not touch it
• You can choose your own seat but should not sit on the ones in the seating bank marked in orange
• If you sit next to a seat that is marked in orange, Claire will come close to you. She will not deliberately touch you
• You can also sit on the beanbags, cushions, mats and chairs that are on the stage. If you sit in one of these seats, Claire will come near you but will not touch you
• You will see projected captions as you come in, so you can decide where you can best see them from – if you need to
• At some shows, a sign language interpreter will be on stage as you come in. Their position will help you decide where to sit if you need to see them. You can also ask their advice on where to sit.

Guide/Introduction Talk

• When the show starts, Claire will climb into the first row of the audience to welcome you to the show and will describe some sensory information
• There will be a demonstration of the sound and lighting levels
• Claire will show you how bright and dark the lights will go during the show. The transitions are gentle, with no flashing / strobe lighting
• In some parts of the show, Claire will use a headtorch. This may be very bright when pointed in your direction
• In the darkest moments there will be some light from the projections (and fire escape signs) it may take a moment for your eyes to adjust
• You will hear a demonstration of the loudest (and quietest) sound levels during the show. Sound transitions are gentle
• Parts of the show use a drone sound. This can be quite loud and cause some vibration
• Claire will point out where she will move in the theatre. If you sit in a seat with orange markers, she will probably come quite close to you.

Other Sensory Notes

• Claire sings in German, in an classical / operatic style. She will demonstrate this at the beginning of the show. The captions will help you understand what she is singing
• There will be projections on the floor and on the white material at the back of the stage. The projections on the floor move sometimes; if you are sitting on stage, if might feel like the floor is moving
• If you are sitting towards the back right of the tribune, Claire may sit near you while drinking coffee and eating biscuits. You might be able to smell them. There are no nuts in the biscuit
• The show has themes of death and grief.

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