A groundbreaking step toward cultural inclusion and accessibility was celebrated this week at the Theatre Royal Nelson with the official reveal of bilingual signage — including, for the first time in New Zealand, backstage areas.
The initiative marks the culmination of years of work by the theatre’s team to make the space more welcoming and reflective of Aotearoa’s bicultural heritage.
The unveiling event on Monday included a speech by special guest Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand CNZM, and waiata by Nelson Intermediate School kapa haka group Te Pītau Whakarei.
The theatre’s journey toward bilingual signage began several years ago with translations of the front of house areas, thanks to the expertise of official regional translator Te Ahu Rei.
However, extending this project backstage presented a challenge, according to manager Eliane Polack.
“Backstage signage includes a lot of industry-specific terminology. When I reached out to other venues for help, I discovered that te reo Māori translations for backstage areas simply didn’t exist. That’s when Jennifer stepped in to support us.”
Jennifer, a longtime advocate for te reo Māori in performing arts, not only assisted with translations, but also consulted with Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori — the Māori Language Commission – which has since committed to developing a formal domain for kupu Māori specific to live theatre and venue terminology.
“Theatres are the perfect place for te reo Māori to be seen, as thousands of audience members walk through their doors every year,” Jennifer says.
Trust chair Judene Edgar says it “is more than just signs on walls”.
“It’s a statement about who we are and who we welcome here.”
The new signs were made with sponsorship from Speedy Signs Nelson.
