Ten opera evenings with the show mark “accessible.” Sensory paths, audio descriptions for the deaf, and 1500 tickets for people of all abilities comprise the Arena di Verona’s new project, which aims to bring the joy of opera to everyone. Everything is in two languages: English and Italian
On the occasion of the Festival’s centennial, the Fondazione Arena di Verona launches Arena per tutti – Arena for everyone – : an accessibility project. Starting on Thursday, July 20, each opera will be preceded by free multisensory paths in which people with disabilities can go on stage to experience the scenography, costumes, and props directed by the opera’s organizers.
But not only guided tours. Each evening will be preceded by a trailer in both Italian and English, complete with subtitles, voice, translation into Italian and international sign language, and image audio description. Another absolute novelty are the digital room programs, which, by replicating the graphics and structure of traditional paper room programs, will allow you to read simplified texts with the option of enlarging them, images and sketches with audio description, and texts translated into Italian sign language.
Aida, La Traviata, Nabucco, and Rigoletto were the four pieces selected to launch the project. The proposal includes two new productions from the 100 Festival 2023 as well as two other works that have grown to be beloved public favorites.
All of these traits have helped to make the Fondazione Arena initiative, in conjunction with Müller, an accessible entertainment project. «The Opera has had a multimedia show and a strongly inclusive collective rite since its inception, – declares Cecilia Gasdia, Superintendent of Fondazione Arena – but this year’s new initiatives for the Festival’s 100th edition aim to enrich the multi-sensory experiences already reserved in the Arena for years for different abilities, both physical and cognitive. We have researched particular pathways, new means, and partnerships thanks to Müller, so that these exhibitions and the masterpieces of the great masters truly reach the hearts of everyone».
The full accessible program
Rigoletto (July 20), Aida (July 21), La Traviata (July 27), Nabucco (July 28), Aida (August 2), Nabucco (August 3), Rigoletto (August 4), Nabucco (August 17), Aida (August 18), La Traviata (August 19).
