Opera Australia Announces Dedicated Relaxed And Accessible Performance Of West Side Story On Sydney Harbour

West Side Story, the immortal music theatre piece by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim is this year’s heart-stopping presentation by Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour and Opera Australia. While it is thrilling audiences with its music, dance and singing, the location can be challenging for those with limited mobility. Opera Australia has announced that it will hold a dedicated relaxed and accessible performance for West Side Story on Wednesday 17 April.

Various adaptations will ensure that people with disability, their friends and families are all able to enjoy the experience together in a welcoming environment. By modifying the sensory environment at the site, those who have been previously unable to attend the spectacular Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour will now have the opportunity to enjoy all elements the event has to offer.

Guests will be able to come and go from their seats during the show and will have access to a designated quiet space if a break from the show is required. Support staff will be on hand for anyone wishing to use this area during the performance.

Venue lights will remain on at low levels, and some lighting and sound features of the show may be adjusted minimally, but there are no significant changes to the production.

The performance will also be audio-described and captioned on handheld devices for guests with sight and hearing considerations.

Companion Card ticket bookings are welcome and ticket exchanges will be offered free-of-charge to patrons who have already bought tickets for the performance on 17 April and wish to attend on an alternative date.

Opera Australia has been assisted by Vision Australia, The Captioning Studio and Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) in making this accessible performance possible.

Bookings: Opera Australia Box Office on +61 2 9318 8200 or opera.org.au/harbour