ASTRA’s creative/integrated use of access elements
place the theme of communication at the heart of the show.

“I’m a visually impaired arts developer/storyteller … the inclusive creative audio description
was brilliant” – Chichester Fringe audience member

One of ASTRA’s founding principles is Access for All. The access elements are designed to enhance the production for all audiences. In 2022 we worked with Prof Hannah Thompson, Disability Scholar and author of the influential blog, Blind Spot; VocalEyes, UK’s audio description experts; and Troi Lee, Director of the all-inclusive music organisation Deaf Rave. British Sign Language Interpretation by Sumayya Si-Tayeb was integrated into the role of the Goddess Istar; audio description and notes were voiced by the character Lilt, played by Sherelle Amah Francis, and available online in advance, with Touch Tours available before each performance.

Our aim is to create new access and disability-positive elements in the upscaled project with wheelchair dancing, a Deaf Rave, and innovative technology.

Groundbreaking audio description – Prof Hannah Thompson

Didn’t understand the BSL but absolutely loved watching those expressive hands
and marveling at how sounds such as a drop of water were expressed.
– Brighton Fringe audience member

There are a number of outstanding elements here to celebrate . . . For accessibility, there is a British Sign Language Interpreter
who performs dance as well as communicating the emotional changes of the piece. Sumayya Si-Tayeb
is mesmerizing to watch and a strong integral part of the performance.
– Lela Tredwell, The Reviews Hub

Photo of Sumayya Si-Tayeb by Diensen Pamben (@photo_diensen). Photo of Audio Describer Sherelle Amah Francis copyright Sherelle Amah Francis.