Sign language intepreter trust to train 20 intepreters for theatre arts

By Andile Mvundla

By Andile Mvundla

15.09.23

Sign language interpreter trust recently launched the Amplifying Deaf perfomances through training sign language intepreters in Theatre (ADP-TI) project which will see a new generation of 20 intepreters being trained across a 9 month period.

The inmovative initiative is funded by Culture Fund Creative Actions and supported by the European Union (EU) delegation to Zimbabwe which seeks to bridge the communication gap between the Deaf community and the theatre industry.

Speaking in an interview with SkyzMetro FM, Sign language interpreter trust director Mbiko Nxumalo said, “the program is the first of its kind to be implemented in the country, with the innagural program set to cover Bulawayo and other Matebeleland region areas.”

He further added that “the training program will produce 20 qualified intepreters who are going to be the voice for the deaf in Theatre plays.”

Commenting also on the sidelines in an interview with SkyzMetro FM, Bambelela Arts and Theatre representative Tawanda Mkoma said, “this is a great initiative that is being implemented by the sign language interpreter trust and it will help elevate and develop sense of inclusivity for the deaf in the perfoming arts sector.”

Geraldine Roche drama co-ordinator Khaliphile Sibanda added that, “this initiative will play a pivotal role in the theatre play for the deaf which will also boost their perfomances in plays that they will be partaking in as the intepreter’s voice will echo instructions in a better way.”

The Geraldine Roche drama group for the deaf made their debut this year in theatre plays and they perfomed exceptional well finishing in 6th position out of 18 groups in their last theatre play earlier this year.

The training program for interpreters is set to run from the last week of September this year up until the end of June next year.

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