Led by Project Manager Joe Pagnan, ARIA is developing prototype wearable glasses that transcribe and translate over 96 dialects and languages simultaneously in real-time. This tool will help engage audiences who previously may not have felt confident in taking part in participatory work, due to a language barrier. The use of the ARIA translation glasses will similarly enable immersive companies to work with artists who are not fluent English-speakers as well as seek multilingual works that represent diverse cultures and utilize this technology to reimagine traditional pieces of theatre. Immersive producers can now also tour participatory work internationally to non-English speaking audiences with experiences, in which traditional translations would be impractical.
ARIA aims to elevate the company’s practice of inclusion by removing existing barriers to create genuinely equitable theatrical experiences for all involved, especially in interactive and participatory work. Offering an equitable theatrical experience for an audience and artists, ARIA will create an elevated sense of community and foster connection, especially necessary in a post-COVID world.
