A powerful and innovative production of Hamlet will mark a historic first this November, as His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen introduces a Makaton-signed performance for the very first time.
Teatro La Plaza’s reimagined Hamlet will play at His Majesty’s from Thursday 6 to Saturday 8 November, in what will be the only Scottish date on the company’s three-stop UK tour. The landmark Saturday matinee performance will include integrated Makaton signing, led by Makaton Consultant and Ambassador Tutor Sam Stephen, who also runs MakaTots, the UK’s first dedicated Makaton centre, based in Aberdeen City and Shire.
This internationally acclaimed adaptation, directed by Chela De Ferrari, is performed by a talented cast of actors with Down syndrome. Blending Shakespeare’s original text with deeply personal insights from the cast, the production offers a fresh and compelling perspective. With a combination of humour, vitality and striking choreography, it reflects on what it means to exist within a world that can sometimes exclude.
Grace Arthur, Head of Customer Engagement at Aberdeen Performing Arts, explained the significance of the initiative:
“After close consultation with the Down syndrome community in Aberdeen, we made the decision to bring in Makaton signs for the matinee performance of Hamlet. The show is performed in Spanish with English subtitles, and the feedback we received was that integrated signing would make it more accessible.
“This is a step we’ve been eager to take, and this world-renowned production, with its message of inclusion, feels like the perfect moment to introduce it. We’re delighted to be expanding our accessibility offering in this way.”
The introduction of Makaton is part of Aberdeen Performing Arts’ wider ongoing commitment to accessibility. The arts charity already provides Audio Described, British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreted, Captioned and relaxed performances, alongside Touch Tours, Essential Companion discounts and familiarisation visits.
Sam Stephen, who will lead the Makaton integration, said:
“It’s a privilege to collaborate with Aberdeen Performing Arts on this production. The call for Makaton integration in theatre is part of a growing movement towards creative accessibility, and it’s encouraging to be involved in something bold, innovative and committed to opening theatre doors for more people. I’m excited to showcase this in Aberdeen.”
Makaton is a unique communication programme, developed over 50 years ago, that combines speech with signs and symbols. Unlike British Sign Language, it is not a complete natural language but rather a supportive system used by people with learning or communication difficulties, those building language skills, and the families, carers, teachers and health professionals who support them.
Tickets for Hamlet are on sale now via Aberdeen Performing Arts, available online, by phone on (01224) 641122, or at the His Majesty’s Theatre and Music Hall box offices.
