New Rep Partners with Hearing Loss Association of America for BROKEN GLASS and More

New Repertory Theatre, in partnership the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) Boston Chapter, will present six performances of BROKEN GLASS using hearing loop assistive technology. The hearing loop improves hearing understanding through hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other assistive listening devices. The hearing loop will also be in use during the September 20th Spotlight Symposium, "Examining Arthur Miller: How Life Influences Art," as well as a "Get in the Loop" Informational Workshop presented by the HLAA on September 18th.

"We are pleased to partner with the Hearing Loss Association of America's Boston Chapter to provide audiences with several hearing loop performances of BROKEN GLASS," says Artistic Director, Jim Petosa. "It is our hope that these performances will create a broader awareness of this remarkable technology and allow those with limited hearing to enjoy this evocative and intimate work from playwright Arthur Miller."

What is a hearing loop and how does it work?

A hearing loop is a hearing assistive technology that improves hearing understanding through hearing aids, cochlear implants, or head phones. Hearing loop users will directly and wirelessly receive clear sound without any background noise. Hearing aids must have a small wireless receiver called a Telecoil or T-coil installed. Most T-coils come free inside hearing aids but may need to be activated by an audiologist or hearing instrument specialist. The T-coil program is accessed by pushing a button on a hearing aid. The T-coil can make a noticeable difference in hearing understanding when combined with hearing assistive technology, bridging the physical space between the listener and the sound source. Hearing aid and cochlear implant users who are interested in using the hearing loop are advised to visit with their audiologists if they need assistance in identifying the presence of t-coil in their instrument.

There will be a limited number of receivers available at these select performances to help attendees whose instruments do not have T-coils. Hearing aid and cochlear implant non-users are encouraged to bring personal ear buds to the performance to use with receivers.

New Repertory Theatre is the award-winning, professional theatre company in residence at the Arsenal Center for the Arts in Watertown, MA. For over 30 years, New Rep has been a leader of self-produced theatre in greater Boston, producing contemporary and classic dramas, comedies, and musicals in both the 340-seat Charles Mosesian Theater and the 90-seat Black Box Theater. Annually, New Rep serves over 40,000 patrons, including 2,000 season subscribers. In addition to its mainstage productions, New Rep produces Next Voices, a program dedicated to developing new plays with four playwrights through three staged readings and one world premiere production. Under its Lifelong Enrichment Arts Programs (LEAP), New Rep also produces its Classic Repertory Company, Page To Stage, Insider Experiences, and Spotlight Symposium Series.

The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) is the nation's leading organization representing people with hearing loss. HLAA provides assistance and resources for people with hearing loss and their families to learn how to adjust to living with hearing loss. HLAA is working to eradicate the stigma associated with hearing loss and raise public awareness about the need for prevention, treatment, and regular hearing screenings throughout life. hearingloss.org

This powerful, Olivier Award-winning, and Tony-nominated drama BROKEN GLASS is presented as part of a national celebration of the centennial of the birth of playwright Arthur Miller. It is November 11, 1938, the day after Kristallnacht, when Sylvia Gellburg loses the ability to walk. Her husband Phillip desperately seeks to find the cause. After consulting Dr. Harry Hyman, it's determined that her paralysis may have been psychosomatically induced. Hyman's obsession with curing Sylvia uncovers a complex tangle of egos, resentment, Jewish identity.

IF YOU GO:

BROKEN GLASS

Performances:

Wednesday, September 16, 7:30pm
Thursday, September 17, 7:30pm
Friday, September 18, 4pm - "Get in the Loop" Workshop
Friday, September 18, 8pm
Saturday, September 19, 8pm
Sunday, September 20, 2pm - Spotlight Symposium
Sunday, September 20, 7:30pm

Tickets: $30-$65. Student, senior, and group discounts available: Telephone - 617-923-8487; Online - newrep.org; In Person: 12 noon to 6pm, Arsenal Center for the Arts 321 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA 02472

Parking: Free, six-level parking garage next to the Arsenal Center for the Arts

Directions: #70 or #70A bus to the School Street stop from Central Square Station, Red Line

Access: Wheelchair Accessible, Assistive Listening System, Large-Print and Braille Programs Available

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