Lyric Opera makes history with live sign language translation for Mozart’s “Don Giovanni”

Lyric Opera of Chicago will make opera history on Sunday, Oct. 18, when it presents Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” with live American Sign Language interpretation. The 2 p.m. performance will be the first by a major American opera company to offer live ASL interpretation for a foreign-language opera, according toan announcement by the opera house.

The opera will be sung in Italian, with projected English titles above the stage. Per the press release, certified Deaf Interpreters Joshua Castille and Veramarie Baldoza will translate the dialogue and lyrics in real time from a position near the performers, allowing Deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences to experience the drama alongside the singers and orchestra.

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A landmark performance with expanded access

Lyric General Director John Mangum said the production highlights the work of the company’s singers, musicians, artisans and ASL interpreters. “Accessibility is not a single initiative for us but an ongoing commitment,” Mangum said, per the announcement.

The Oct. 18 matinee will include several other services. A noon Touch Tour will give patrons who are blind or have low vision hands-on access to costumes, props, instruments and the stage environment. Audio describer Martin Wilde will provide narration of settings, costumes, scenes and action through headphones or compatible listening equipment.

SoundShirts will also be available, Lyric Opera of Chicago confirmed. The wearable devices use touch sensations across the upper body to convey music in real time, synchronized with the orchestra and singers. The opera house said it was the first opera company worldwide to offer the technology.

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A new listening system throughout the run

Lyric Opera is also introducing Auracast assistive listening technology for all eight performances of “Don Giovanni,” which runs Saturday, Oct. 10, through Sunday, Nov. 1. The Bluetooth Low Energy system sends audio directly to compatible hearing aids, cochlear implants and earbuds, reducing background noise and interference, the press release confirmed.

According to the announcement, most Android phones can connect Auracast directly to the broadcast. Patrons using iPhones can access it through Auracast-enabled hearing devices or headphones paired with a manufacturer’s app. Lyric Opera will continue lending assistive listening devices at no charge, along with Braille and large-print programs, opera glasses and booster seats.

The production opens Lyric’s 72nd season at the Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive. Enrique Mazzola conducts, and Robert Falls directs.