Accessibility
Our work represents Aotearoa, made with, for and by diverse groups of people.
TAHI New Zealand Festival of Solo Performance is operating with the goal to always centre access from the ground up instead of adding accommodations as an afterthought. We will always be working towards achieving full accessibility; there is no ‘perfect’ way to provide access for all, and we always have more to learn.
At TAHI, we understand that access needs are different for everyone, and that these needs can change over time. We recognize that access needs may stem from visible and/or invisible disabilities. We acknowledge that we cannot always accommodate every need or act on every access recommendation.
First Buzzard at the Body, Elliot Vaughan, TAHI Festival 2022
General FAQs
Where is TAHI Festival?
TAHI does not have a physical office or building. During the Festival period, we set up a small production office at BATS Theatre and you can usually find TAHI Team members coming and going from here during the festival.
In 2022, TAHI Festival spread its wings and ventured beyond our beloved home at BATS Theatre to put on events across Pōneke, Wellington city. You can find the most up-to-date venue accessibility information on their websites. They are linked below for your convenience.
Accessibility at Circa Theatre
How can I book tickets?
All of our show tickets are sold through their respective venue's ticketing system. Our show pages link you through to these systems when you click book. If this method doesn't work for you, you can also email us via admin@tahifestival.com and we will help you get booked in. Alternatively, you can go to any of the venues an book your tickets in person at their Box Office.
How much notice must I give for access services?
As much notice as possible is preferable for all of our venues. This is to make sure we can accommodate your needs and ensure there are still tickets available.
Does anyone know New Zealand Sign Language?
Unfortunately, none of our TAHI Festival team speaks sign language fluently but some of us have some basic training.
Confessions of a Sleepwalking Insomniac, Helen Vivienne Fletcher, TAHI Festival 2022, NZSL Interpreted
2022
NZSL Interpreted
In 2022, Helen Vivienne Fletcher's brand new solo Confessions of a Sleepwalking Insomniac – a work in development – was commissioned by TAHI Festival and featured integrated NZSL interpretation. The show was interpreted into NZSL on all three nights from Thursday 8th to Saturday 10th September, 6:30pm by interpreter Nicola Clements.
Relaxed Performance
In 2022, we offered a relaxed performance of Party Pigs! at 1pm on Sunday 11 September. Everyone was welcome to come along to this show but relaxed performances are especially suitable for those with intellectual disabilities and those who are on the autism spectrum. The show was adapted to create a more relaxed sensory environment. The lights and sound effects were less intense, the house lights were kept on, people could move around and come and go from the theatre as needed, people were allowed to talk and fidget if they wanted, and there was a pre-show walkthrough of the theatre at 12:30pm on the day. You can find the Party Pigs! Social Story here which has some useful information about arriving at the theatre and attending the show.
Social Scripts
In 2022, we had two shows that provided a social script to accompany their shows – First Buzzard at the Body and HATCH. A social script is a document that uses storytelling techniques to explain new experiences and environments to people through simple language and images. It includes useful information about arriving at the theatre and attending the shows - such as how you can enter BATS, what it will look like, what activities will occur, and what you can do if you feel overwhelmed.
You can find the Social Script for First Buzzard at the Body here.
You can find the Social Script for HATCH here
Images:
Left Front- Party Pigs, Little Dog Barking Theatre Company, TAHI Festival 2022, Relaxed Performance
2021
Sorry For Your Loss NZSL Digital Offering
Hosted by TAHI: New Zealand Festival of Performance - Join Cian Parker, Rachel Turner, Laura Haughey, and Melissa Simchowitz as they discuss their experience and process for creating a Deaf audience accessible performance.
This session was made possible thanks to Creative New Zealand, Wellington City Council and BATS Theatre.