Enjoy live Dutch performances with LiveText glasses
What does the text look like in the glasses?
Watch the video below to see how captions appear in the LiveText glasses. Throughout the performance, you can easily follow who is speaking, as each character is displayed with a corresponding character and colour.
Which performances can I use the LiveText glasses at?
You can use the LiveText glasses at the performances listed below, either at Het Nationale Theater in The Hague or at selected other venues across the Netherlands.
LiveText tickets are available below.
Agenda
Found a performance?
Good to know: New users need an explanation before using the LiveText glasses. We ask visitors to arrive earlier to attend this explanation.
The explanation will be as follows:
Start of explanation: 40 minutes before the start of the performance
After the performance, we would like to hear your feedback and experience with the LiveText glasses. This will take no more than 10 minutes.
If you cannot be present during the explantion, we recommend that you do not use the LiveText glasses. Latecomers to the introduction may be refused.
In the week of the performance, we will provide you with aditional information by email. If you have any questions about a LiveText visit, please send an email to livetext@hnt.nl
FAQ
Do your LiveText glasses use a camera?
Our AR (augmented reality) glasses, XREAL Air 2 Pro, does not have a single camera. We or the user will never be able to use a camera or infringe on someone's privacy.
Do I have to pay extra to use the LiveText glasses?
No, you don't have to pay extra; its use is completely free! Make sure to buy a LiveText ticket for a performance that offers the use of the glasses. Do make sure to send us an e-mail to reserve the glasses beforehand. You can reach us at livetext@hnt.nl
Can I wear my own glasses in combination with the LiveText glasses?
Yes! The LiveText glasses are designed with 3 different nose wings to make sure (almost) everyone can comfortably use them. If you have the option to comfortably choose between glasses and contacts, we advise wearing the contacts. The glasses can also be used in conjunction with hearing aids, CI's or any other aid.
Which languages can I follow comfortably?
The quality of the translations depends on the language, with some languages performing better than others.
Below, you can see how we and our users rate the translation quality for a handfull of languages. A rating of 5 ★ is the highest.
| From | To | Rating |
| Dutch | English | ★★★★★ |
| German | ★★★★★ | |
| Polish | ★★★★ | |
| French | ★★★★ | |
| Spanish | ★★★★ | |
| Italian | ★★★★ | |
| Turkish | ★★★★ | |
| Arabic* | ★★★ | |
| Indonesian* | ★★★ | |
| Portuguese* | ★★★ |
*A common feedback is that the translation model can be confusing. It tends to scramble together different dialects or mixes formal and informal forms in one sentence.
What happens if the LiveText glasses don't work or stop working?
With any (technical) issue we are ready to help to make sure you can enjoy the performance. We always test and explain the glasses with you beforehand, there's also back up glasses ready in case anything unexpected happens.
Is it possible for an interpreter to be present during the performance?
Yes! There are a few shows where we offer an interpreter through ourselves in combination with the LiveText glasses. You can always arrange your own interpreter, and we will make sure everything is set up. If you do want one, make sure to contact us at livetext@hnt.nl so we know what to expect.
Which room do I go to for the explanation beforehand?
We will try to meet you upon arrival; if you don't see us, you can always check in at the entrance. Our colleagues will direct you to the right room. For questions, please email LiveText@hnt.nl.
Haven't found what you were looking for?
We also offer the Non-Dutchie Series.
The Non-Dutchie Series is our handpicked selection of performances for which you do not need to understand Dutch. Discover a curated selection of ‘No Dutch Required’ theatre with performances by a variety of national and international artists, in our venues the Koninklijke Schouwburg, Theater aan het Spui and Zaal 3 – all for a discounted price!
Click the button below for more info or to order tickets.
Non-Dutchie Series
About HNTUnlimited
A visible or invisible disability should not be a barrier to enjoying a visit to the theatre. Sometimes, the right support or adjustments are all that's needed to make a performance accessible.
This season, we offer a range of accessibility services and adaptations for selected performances, helping more people experience theatre in a way that works for them. We work closely with several specialist organisations to make this possible.
Click the link below to read more about the initiative, the technique and the application of the LiveText glasses.
Click here for more info regarding LiveText.
Click here for more info for theaters and production companies.