Opera Multimodal Translation: audio describing Szymanowski's Król Roger for the Liceu Theatre, Barcelona

Abstract

This paper discusses the use of audio description for opera working from a previously developed and tailored model that has been used in multimedia translation since 2005. It analyses the various integrated functions of this form of visual performance translation for the visually impaired, and explains the stages involved and what each stage entails. This is followed by a case study carried out at the Liceu Theatre in Barcelona involving the performance of Karol Szymanovski's Król Roger. The stage direction and set design of this opera are two key aspects of the production which are integral to an understanding of the plot and how it is conveyed through the language of music and words. This performance illustrates how one can make the best use of techniques designed for audio description—here, particular emphasis is given to the understanding, the conceptualising and the emotions expressed in the opera. It also underlines how the most important scenic information during the performance can be conveyed in such a way that it becomes accessible, functional, useful and easily perceptible to the listener who cannot see the stage directly. The audience is thus able to better appreciate and understand the performance as a whole.