Horatio audio-describes Shakespeare’s Hamlet

Audio description (AD) has been introduced as one solution for providing people who are blind or have low vision with access to live theatre, film and television content. However, there is little research to inform the process, user preferences and presentation style. We present a study of a single live audio-described performance of Hart House Theatre’s production of Hamlet in Toronto, Ontario . Unlike conventional description, the AD was designed in cooperation with the creative team to fit with the production’s style. The AD was written using the language and rhythmic structure (iambic pentameter) that mimicked that of Shakespeare and was delivered from Horatio’s point of view. Audience reactions to the production and AD were generally positive, with people reporting that they were entertained by the play and the AD.