Sign language interpreter for the Taylor Swift Eras Tour
MADRID – Four sign language interpreters gave the deaf community their own Eras tour show, coinciding with Taylor Swift’s live performance in May at the same arena here.
The interpreters not only sang the songs, but also performed them – in costumes that were often as sparkling as those of the singer herself.
“It was a great, exciting and brilliant experience in every way,” said 26-year-old Anna Greira Parra about her performance in Madrid. “My favorite song? There isn’t one! I liked them all and Paramore was great too.”
While Swift and her crew performed to two sold-out crowds at the Estadio Santiago Benabéu in Madrid, Spain, Parra and three other women signed an iPad on the right side of the stage.
They placed their printed setlist on a lectern for support, with fans of the deaf community watching from the crowd and online.
“From the comments they have told us, we know that there are many deaf people who like Taylor Swift,” said Núria Martorell, director of EN-CANTA-DOS ASSOCIACIÓ.
EN-CANTA-DOS ASSOCIACIÓ is a Barcelona-based organization that provides access to music for deaf people through sign language. The organization has played at sold-out, huge shows for the past five years. From rock band Coldplay to Brazilian singer Toquinho, they usually work with promoters to learn the setlist in advance.
The Eras Tour requires four performers, and the dancers and actresses take turns performing the songs. For example, during the “Lover” era, there were three performers for the four songs, and for “Fearless” there were two. All of the songs were covered, except for the two surprise acoustic numbers that Swift performs every night.
“The two secret songs Taylor sang weren’t done because they were ‘secret,'” Martorell said. “We didn’t know which one she was going to sing, which meant we couldn’t prepare them in advance.”
The videos posted online are fascinating to watch and allow the deaf community to experience the show through more than just the vibrations of the music. A 52-second clip of the show in Spain has been viewed over a million times on Instagram.
The biggest challenge is translating the repertoire, which lasts over three hours, from spoken English into Spanish sign language.
“It was the first time I had been in such a situation and it was complicated because sometimes people shout so loudly that you could hardly listen,” said 41-year-old Anita Agejas Fernández. “The good thing is that you have enough time with the songs to practice and learn them thoroughly.”
Agejas has two favorite lines: “With you I would dance in a storm in my best dress” from “Fearless” and “A friend to all is a friend to none” from “Cardigan.”
The organization hopes to bring a sign artist on stage at these major events.
Fans of other Eras tour shows have told us they enjoy watching the interpreters as much as Swift does.
“We would have liked to share a small part of the stage to be even more part of their show and to ensure full visibility for the deaf audience,” said Griera.
Don’t miss any news from Taylor Swift; sign up for the free weekly newsletter “This Swift Beat.”
Follow Taylor Swift reporter Bryan West on Instagram, TikTok and X as @BryanWestTV.
Trader Jason Pizzino predicts Bitcoin fireworks and says BTC could mirror 2023 price action – here’s his timeline
Taylor Swift responds to Simone Biles for using her song in Olympic qualifying competitions
New York customers frustrated by expensive new rule at Sam’s Club
About The Author
