The first podcast in a new collaboration between Newcastle University and Opera North looks at captions; surtitles; subtitles: the point at which text and the performed voice meet, and a crucial aid to understanding what’s happening on stage - not only for audiences with access needs. 

Jo Robinson, Professor of Theatre and Performance and Head of the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics at the University, is joined by staff from across Opera North to explore our history with captioning, the decisions that have informed our current approach, her own experience with creative captioning, and what the future might hold.

Christine Jane Chibnall is Opera North's Director of Planning, Alice Gilmour is Access Manager, and Stuart Leeks is Editor. Their discussion is illuminated by excerpts from Opera North’s audio archive.

Staging the Voice / Voicing the Stage 01: Surtitles

Recorded in rehearsal in Leeds, September 2023, with the Chorus and Orchestra of Opera North under Music Director Garry Walker.

Full cast details https://www.operanorth.co.uk/whats-on/falstaff/#cast-creative

Falstaff: Act III Fugue 'Life is a Burst of Laughter' (Full cast)

Opera North prides itself on a fresh approach to opera and musical performance. While opera productions on the main stage lead our work, we’re more than just an opera company. 

Staging the Voice / Voicing the Stage 01: Surtitles

Opera North

Related tracks