Off-Broadway Access Review -
Liberation
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ID: image of the Liberation poster with the text "Access Review" on top
General Note
This is a review of the accessibility of the theater, of the lighting/sound/scent design of the show, and a list of content warnings as a way to prep folks with various needs before they go see it.
This is not meant to scare anyone away from seeing the show. Most productions have about the same amount of content warnings and sensory warnings to go along with it, they’re just rarely explicitly written down.
For some people, knowing these things ahead of time makes it easier to enjoy the show because they know what to expect. And, often, makes those people more likely to see it in the first place. I hope that it’s helpful!
I am also happy to clarify any specifics, just send me a message or an email and I will respond when I can.
Theater
Laura Pels Theatre
All comments on the accessibility of lighting are in reference to seats in the far left of the orchestra
Bathrooms:
divided into the binary, though each has a sign that says “this restroom may be used by any person regardless of gender identity or expression”
located on the orchestra level at the base of the stairs to the right. The women’s is around the corner and down a few steps from the men’s and the accessible restroom
Other theater accessibility:
there is an elevator to each level of the theater – if you do not use the elevator, it is about 3 flights down to the orchestra level
they offer loop and hearing devices, as well as CC and AD via GalaPro
Click here for more information on the physical accessibility of this theater.
Light/Sound
I did not need earplugs for this show
the stage is primarily lit by fluorescent wraparound lights at the very top of the stage that occasionally flicker a little. There is also the occasional quick lighting transition
there is significant smoking in this show that can be smelled from the audience - it appears in 3 scenes in Act I and 1 scene in Act II and dissipates between them
some air freshener also gets sprayed twice, but I believe this is unscented
the sensory accessibility of this show is similar to that of Hills of California
When you arrive and once your ticket has been scanned, you will be handed a Yondr pouch that you keep with you in which they will lock your phone for the duration of the performance. After the show, there are people there to unlock it for you in the lobby.
Act I:
there is medium volume music playing pre-show and during intermission
the house lights remain up for part of the opening monologue
the lights flicker when Lizzie invites the ladies out
flicker light shift after “I wrote up a mission statement”
Act II:
the first scene contains nudity
there’s a single camera flash when everyone gets back from the protest (pointed toward house left)
during the argument, Celeste has a brief panic attack
Content Advisory
adult language
sexism
racism
brief mentions of abuse/assault
grief (specifically about parent loss & parent illness)
there is a brief panic attack in one of the final scenes
there is nudity in the first scene after intermission