THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA relaxed performance
Experience Andrew Lloyd Webber's masterpiece in a relaxed atmosphere at the Raimund Theater! On 14 July, VBW and Österreichische Autistenhilfe are offering a ‘relaxed performance’ of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA.
As a theatre company of the City of Vienna, Vereinigte Bühnen Wien sees it as its responsibility to give everyone the opportunity to experience musical theatre. With a unique performance format, VBW also wants to enable people with disabilities, people with learning difficulties or neurodiversity (including autism, ADHD) to enjoy an exciting yet relaxed musical theatre experience.
Together with Österreichische Autistenhilfe, VBW is therefore offering a ‘relaxed performance’ of a musical for the first time in German-speaking countries: On 14 July 2024, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA will be shown in this special format at the Raimund Theater.
‘Relaxed performances’ are already established on Broadway and the West End. The adaptations made for the ‘relaxed performance’ of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA in Vienna have already been trialled in New York and Sydney and adapted for Viennese audiences in consultation with director Seth Sklar-Heyn. Advance ticket sales are now open.
MUSICAL ENJOYMENT FOR ALL IN A RELAXED ATMOSPHERE
Originally developed by the autism community for cinema and theatre performances, the concept is suitable for people on the autism spectrum as well as people with disabilities, chronic illnesses, Tourette's syndrome, learning difficulties or ADHD. People who feel excluded by strict conventions in the theatre can enjoy the performance in a more relaxed atmosphere.
As a stage show can be overwhelming for some people due to lighting and pyrotechnic effects as well as loud noises, these stimuli are reduced or omitted in the ‘relaxed performance’. Furthermore, the auditorium remains lit with dimmed lighting for the entire duration of the performance and it is possible to leave the auditorium to take a break in one of the quiet rooms provided in the theatre if necessary. Visitors can also return to their seats at any time without having to wait for an admission break during the performance. Earlier admission to the house and auditorium and a longer interval are also intended to reduce the hectic and stressful nature of a visit to the theatre. A guide in simple language will help you prepare for your visit to the musical in advance.
