May 6, 2013

NEW ZEALAND SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETED SHOW AT CENTREPOINT FOR SHOP ’TIL YOU DROP  

During New Zealand Sign Language Week (13-19 May) Centrepoint Theatre will be offering the Deaf community a NZSL signed performance of our current show, Shop ’Til You Drop. 

“We are delighted to be able to offer this special performance and hope there is more scope to do this in the future,” says Artistic Director Jeff Kingsford-Brown.  

Deaf Aotearoa’s Manawatu Community Relations Officer Lianna Kennedy says the fact that the show will be accessible for the region’s Deaf population is fantastic and much appreciated. 

“Deaf people in New Zealand love humour and having access to the show is just amazing, as it puts them on an equal par with others in being able to access the production,” says Lianna.  

“Having events like this interpreted also help the general public get to know the Deaf community better, as the more visible the Deaf community is, the greater the acceptance and awareness of our culture and language – so it is wonderful to have a NZSL interpreter at this Centrepoint Theatre production.” 

Shop ’Til You Drop is a brilliant comedy for all ages and both female and male.  It tells the story of the hilariously epic misadventures that await our travellers when they arrive in Oz; from dodgy airline food and double bookings, to dealing with predatory taxi drivers and other colourful local characters. 

The special performance is on Wednesday 15 May at 6.30pm and will have an iSign NZSL Interpreter; to book for the NZSL interpreted performance, please email centrepoint@centrepoint.co.nz.  This performance is also open to the general public. 

NZSL Week is run annually by Deaf Aotearoa to promote NZSL as an official language of New Zealand and raise awareness about the Deaf community.  The week includes free NZSL Taster Classes for schools, businesses and other organisations as well as a range of national and regional promotions. 

To cater for the growing demand for its NZSL Taster Classes, Deaf Aotearoa is launching an Online NZSL Taster Class.  Visit nzslweek.org.nz during NZSL Week to watch interactive clips and learn how to sign everyday words/phrases. 

About Deaf Aotearoa 

Deaf Aotearoa is the national service provider for Deaf people in New Zealand. It works with Deaf communities and provides information and resources on a range of services. Deaf Aotearoa also works closely with government agencies, other not-for-profit organisations and the corporate sector to increase awareness of Deaf people’s lives, promote New Zealand Sign Language and reaffirm the rights of Deaf people. Deaf Aotearoa is a Disabled Person’s Organisation and the New Zealand representative for the World Federation of the Deaf, the international body for Deaf people.