Theater performances and their accessibility in Slovakia: Insights from the Deaf community
Theater performances and their accessibility in Slovakia: Insights from the Deaf community

Summary/Abstract: This article examines the accessibility of theater performances for Deaf audiences in Slovakia, with a main focus on the provision of Theater Sign Language Interpreting (TSLI). Drawing on analysis of current access strategies, the authors highlight examples of good practice aligned with more user-centred, inclusive and participatory access-provision models. Based on the results of an exploratory qualitative research interview with the key representative of the Deaf community involved in their development in the country, the main principles within these strategies are identified. Through this exploration, the article advocates for further enhancement of integrated and inclusive access strategies in Slovak theaters and further reveals the characteristics as well as the potential of professional TSLI. This case study was conducted under the project VEGA No. 2/0092/23 “Translation and Translating as a Part of the Slovak Cultural Space History and Present” and project UGA III/14/2024 “Accessibility of Stage Arts for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Audience”. Special thanks go to Michal Hefty for sharing his valuable experience and approach during the research interview and prior communications witht he authors of this study.

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