This semester, an innovative pilot project took shape in Innsbruck, aiming to promote inclusion and broaden cultural participation. In collaboration with the Tyrolean State Theatre and the City of Innsbruck’s Department of Culture, members of INTRAWI (Department of Translation Studies at the University of Innsbruck) developed a live audio description (AD) for the Russian-language opera Eugene Onegin by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The performances took place on April 30 and June 13, 2025, marking a significant step toward making opera more accessible to blind and visually impaired audiences.
The “audio opera” experience was the result of close cooperation between INTRAWI, dramaturg Diana Merkel (music theatre and drama, Tyrolean State Theatre), and Christina Alexandridis (Department of Cultural Development and Funding). Developed during the summer semester of 2025, the project was tailored specifically to the needs of blind and visually impaired opera-goers. The choice of Eugene Onegin for this premiere allowed for rich, dynamic description: all visual aspects of the production—including stage design, costumes, props, and, most importantly, on-stage action—were conveyed through carefully crafted narration. In addition, the German surtitles were read aloud, weaving together with music and stage action to create an immersive Gesamtkunstwerk. The audio description, written by Translation Studies students and faculty, was performed live and transmitted via headsets available at every seat. Attendees with visual impairments could purchase tickets at a discounted rate, which also applied to one accompanying person.
Dr. Marco Agnetta highlights the broader cultural significance of the project, noting that accessibility in the arts still receives far too little attention. For the students involved, the project provided invaluable practical experience. More importantly, it demonstrated how interdisciplinary collaboration—between academia, cultural institutions, and public agencies—can open new paths to inclusive cultural participation. This initiative for accessible opera has the potential to inspire similar efforts across Europe and beyond. By showcasing how live audio description can enhance the operatic experience, it contributes meaningfully to global movements for cultural equity and inclusion. The Tyrolean State Theatre, the Cultural Office, and the University of Innsbruck have committed to continuing this collaboration and expanding access to other audience groups in the future.
Participants from INTRAWI Innsbruck
Teachers: Ass.-Prof. Dr. Marco Agnetta, Dr. Bianca Prandi.
Students: Natalie Ehrenberger, Barbara Exenberger, Franziska Frischmuth, Anna Gruber, Christine Hörmann, Irina Hueber, Chiara Khayyam, Elena Mora, Lucia Petter, Matthias Schaffrath, Melanie Wachter, Naomi Wallner, Irene Zaccaria, Sophie Ziemer.ara Khayyam, Elena Mora, Lucia Petter, Melanie Wachter, Naomi Wallner, Irene Zaccaria, Sophie Ziemer
