Britt Hatzius: Blind Cinema

In the darkness of a cinema space, the audience sits blindfolded. Behind each row of audience members is a row of children who in hushed voices describe a film only they can see. Accompanied by the soundtrack (which has no dialogue), the whispered descriptions are a fragile, fragmentary and at times struggling-but-courageous attempt by the children to make sense of what they see on the screen.

Based on the method of audio description, Blind Cinema is an experience where the act of watching a film becomes a shared investment: a collaborative and imaginative act between seeing children and blinded adults. It embraces the difficulty of finding the right words, of trying to hold onto the unstable images created in the mind’s eye. Blind Cinema leaves the illusory reality of cinema and re-enters the vivid images of the imagination.

Co-presented with Mini Microcinema, performances will occur at The Carnegie’s Otto M Budig Theater in Covington. Filmmaker Hatzius will work with students from four area elementary schools for the separate engagements, visiting schools and preparing the children for this unique experience that puts the power of the performance in their hands.

“Through a simple exercise and allowing children to really try, to fail, and star, Blind Cinema is a sensitive and gentle connection with a developing mind” - Total Theatre

Direction/concept: Britt Hatzius
Dramaturgy: Ant Hampton
Film: Britt Hatzius, Simon Arazi, Maxim, Boris Belay
Creative Producer: Katja Timmerberg
Co-Producers: Vooruit (Ghent), Beursschouwburg (Brussels), and Bronks Theatre (Brussels)
Co-presented with Mini Microcinema
In partnership with The Carnegie
Promotional Partner: FotoFocus

Free With Reservation