Equal voices of theatre: Investigating cognition, emotion and behavior of visually impaired audiences through playwriting and sound design

Abstract

The study explores the creation of a stage play paradigm tailored for visually impaired audiences, addressing a significant gap in knowledge and practice. The research is grounded in frameworks, including the Drama Therapy, the acknowledgment of disability as part of the human condition and the promotion of equal rights and opportunities as outlined by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The stage play, Turn Left Turn Right: The Musical, was implemented with 15 Thai visually impaired individuals in Bangkok, Thailand, during October and November 2023. Adopting a qualitative approach, an observation was conducted during the stage play and in-depth interviews were conducted after the show. Data analyses reveal that five storytelling elements of the stage play script evoke exaltation and strong audience reactions, however sound is the most crucial element. The participants favor comedy, and narratives that are easy to follow yet contain unexpected endings. Findings not only fill academic gaps in understanding the paradigm for visually impaired stage play, but also enable creators to create impactful and inclusive content.