Sense of Loss

Last night was a tough one for me. I knew it would be special, but I really didn't know how.
We often take our senses for granted. Whether you believe you have five or six, they are all integral in our daily lives and we just assume they will be there tomorrow. Theatre relies on two of these pretty heavily. Sight and Hearing. We have been known to incorporate Smell into some plays, but that is probably another story... How do people enjoy the storytelling of theatre if they have lost one of these important, taken for granted abilities?
Deafness is probably most commonly thought of. We have all, or most of us, have seen ASL interpreters at various functions. Graduations, Inaugurations, Other-ations. We have them in plays too! Usually, they stand at the edge of the stage and assist in telling the story. Some merely interpret the words, but usually, they get into it! I find it very fun to watch! I have also seen a Theatre for the Deaf show, where the actors are using ASL and the speaking interpreter is the one dressed in black talking over the play. Also a great experience, if you ever get the chance.
Blind people can also enjoy plays! We have an audio describer come in on a few shows. She sits in the cry room or the light booth and speaks into a microphone, describing what is happening. The blind patrons wear headphones, hearing the actors and the describer. I would love to try this sometime!
After the Audio Described show (some theatres do this before), we have a "Touchy-Feely" tour. We could probably think of a better name, but meh. We set out costumes, props and scenery to let the blind patrons explore and see what was described. Last night, K came to see the show. We met her 2 years ago wen she came on her first touchy tour. She saw the winter show that year, and then lost her eyes to cancer. I have seen her from then a couple times a year. She has gone from bandages to protective glasses to having a beautiful pair of glass eyes. She is fascinated with exploring backstage and always is wearing a grin. Her mom said she talks about these tours for months. She told me last night that pink is her favorite color.
As I am leaving the theatre, I had to say goodbye to her in my mind and soul. It was harder than I thought. Seeing her grow over the last 2 years brought out the uncle in me. I know she will have a wonderful life, and I pray she continues seeing theatre. I hope she always knows that pink is her favorite and that her smile will always bring that sparkle into her eyes.

The BS Chef

PS: I know this is long, but I thought of another touchy-feely tour story. A couple years ago, we were giving a tour to a young boy of maybe 8 or 9. He was exploring some mouse puppets with an intense look on his face. Suddenly, he looked up with the biggest smile and said, "Oh!! So THAT is what a mouse looks like!!"