After careful consideration, we at MT Space have made the challenging decision to not provide ASL interpretation for the performance of mixed(er) on Friday, October 2nd. The performance of mixed(er) will still go ahead as scheduled with a following talkback.
The decision to cancel ASL interpretation is not taken lightly. In fact, we share this announcement as an invitation to have a conversation surrounding the barriers that we continue to experience in increasing access to our events, activities, and productions. Surely, we are not the only ones experiencing these challenges, so perhaps we can come together to seek ways forward.
MT Space has found ourselves in situations where interpreters have dropped our engagement for various reasons including offers from others with more resources/funding; we have been quoted astronomical fees that well surpass fees quoted by Deaf artists and consultants; and have been told that our work is not a priority and that some hearing interpreters will only work with Deaf artists and organizations. When we ask to unpack these conversations to better understand what we perceive to be some problematic optics, the door is shut to discussion. We do want to recognize the few hearing interpreters who have gone above and beyond, and we are also extremely grateful to the Deaf artists who have tried to engage in these conversations with, and for, us over the past few years. Unfortunately, we have been unable to create the bridges necessary to continue and further develop some of our most valued relationships.
MT Space is dedicated to intercultural theatre that brings together differently cultured bodies, practices, and perspectives – including Deaf artists and community members. We fully support prioritizing Deaf-led work and organizations, however, by no longer providing interpretation to work that is not Deaf-led are we limiting experiences for Deaf audiences? Deaf audiences should be able to experience Deaf-led work; this is crucial and exactly what MT Space stands for, but should they not also be able to experience non Deaf-led work as well? Should the choice not be the individuals? As access is about autonomy and choice, are we providing those choices to Deaf audiences? While we understand that hearing interpreters are highly trained and skilled individuals and that there are market rates, the fees seem to continue to privilege the already privileged and well-resourced organizations. How can we be candid in unpacking these nuances? How can we ensure that Deaf audiences have the most access to the widest diversity of events/performances? Can we come together to have these conversations and find a better way forward, one where everyone wins?
So here is the invitation – We are open to learning. We are open to collaboration. We are open to being challenged to do better. We are sorry for the limited access this provides to experiencing our season opener this week, and we hope to continue our efforts for the rest of our programming.
~Pam Patel, MT Space Artistic Director