3
Explain the theatre-related words in bold.
5
a. Underline the parts of the article where Ian Cox
speaks. What do you think the reporter asked
him? What questions would you have asked him?
b.
In what other situations are
interpreters for the deaf used? Discuss in pairs.
c.
Are there similar theatres in your
country? Collect information. Present it to the
class.
Think!
ICT
1 Why do hearing people go to see interpreted
performances?
A
They are the most popular performances of
the season.
B
They are even better than standard
performances.
C
They give a better understanding of the play.
D
They offer a chance to admire the work of
interpreters.
2 The workload of theatre interpreters is so great
because they have to
A
learn the lines of all the actors.
B
interpret in front of a consultant.
C
go to many of the rehearsals.
D
work in all parts of the production.
3 Why does the writer refer to the ‘zoned’ style
as ‘a happy medium’?
A
It combines elements from the two other
styles.
B
It is mostly used in light-hearted plays.
C
It allows the interpreters to mix with the
actors.
D
It makes the interpreter’s job easier.
4 What does the word ‘this’ in line 74 refer to?
A
the advantages of the ‘shadowed’ style
B
the position of the interpreters
C
the action in a performance
D
the placement of the actors
5 What does Ian say about theatre producers in
the last paragraph?
A
They appreciate the work of interpreters.
B
They think interpreters are expensive.
C
They see interpreters as a necessary evil.
D
They don’t respect interpreters.
6 What is the writer’s purpose in the text?
A
To inspire interest in the topic.
B
To advertise interpreted theatre.
C
To show the variety in modern theatre.
D
To criticise the attitude of theatre directors.
Vocabulary Practice
‹
Discussion
‹
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
The ‘placed’ style of interpreting in the theatre
is by far the most common. The interpreters are
side-by-side and face the audience (although
some interpreters interact with each other as
appropriate). The location of the interpreter is
generally in one of three places:
stage right
or
stage left
, or on the
floor of the house
.
The ‘zoned’ style of interpreter placement is a
happy medium between the ‘placed’ and
‘shadowed’ styles. Here, interpreters are placed
side-by-side within the acting space. Usually, they
change position on stage from
scene
to scene - or
from
act
to act - in order to be within the same
‘zone’ as the majority of the action. Zone
placement makes it easier for the deaf patron to
see the interpreters and actors at the same time.
The ‘shadowed’ style of interpreting is the
most inclusive style of interpreting for the theatre.
It involves placing the interpreters directly within
the action – nearly making them ‘sign language
actors’. The interpreters are ‘blocked’ into each
scene, and literally shadow the actors. The
advantage of this is clear: the interpreter is in such
close proximity to the actor that the deaf patron
need not make a decision about whom to watch –
he or she can watch both at the same time. In the
best of cases, the deaf patron mentally blends the
interpreter with the actor, and forgets that the
actor does not sign.
Theatre interpreters for the deaf are dedicated
professionals who take great pride in their work.
"Theatre," says Ian, "is the art of communicating
beautiful ideas in interesting ways. Interpreted
theatre, therefore, is an art in itself. Thankfully,
instead of seeing us as ‘additions’, producers
nowadays think of interpreters for the deaf as a
new avenue to creativity."
15
1
4
Look at the following phrases from the text and
explain the underlined parts in your own words.
Text Analysis
‹
1
... with considerable financial rewards
.
(lines 10-11)
2
... placed side-by-side within the acting space.
(lines 60-61)
3
... the deaf patron mentally blends the interpreter
with the actor ...
(lines 78-79)
