In November 2024, Wuppertal Opera announced its SoundShirt pilot for deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences, supported by the City of Wuppertal.
Designed and produced by CuteCircuit in London, SoundShirt brings the music and voices of an opera performance to the body through tactile sensations.
Feeling the orchestra and voices
Microphones capture the performance, with orchestral sections and singers mixed for the SoundShirt experience. The sound is translated into touch data and transmitted wirelessly to the garments.
The programme combines the shirts with projected surtitles and accessible introductions. Rehearsal visits allow participants to try the experience, while sign-language interpretation helps audiences navigate the performance visit.
The pilot adds another way to share live opera, bringing the physical feeling of the performance into the auditorium.
SoundShirt is designed by Francesca Rosella and Ryan Genz.
Read the November 2024 announcement · Explore Wuppertal Opera’s SoundShirt programme