At ‘Het Nationale Theater’ in The Hague, LiveText glasses are helping to make performances more accessible for a wider audience. The technology provides real-time subtitles during shows, supporting visitors who are deaf, hard of hearing, or do not speak Dutch.
Everything said on stage is converted
The LiveText glasses display spoken dialogue directly in the wearer’s field of vision. Using AI-powered speech recognition, everything said on stage is converted into written text, allowing audiences to follow the performance without distraction. The system also indicates which character is speaking, helping to maintain clarity throughout the show.
Visitors can personalise the experience before the performance begins, including selecting their preferred language and adjusting the position of the subtitles. With support for more than 200 languages, the technology aligns with the diverse and international audience that visits the theatre.
Free to use
The glasses are available free of charge alongside a regular ticket and can be reserved in advance. Upon arrival, users receive a short introduction and can test the device to ensure it is set to their comfort. The design fits easily over personal eyewear, and staff are present to assist if needed during the performance.
The LiveText glasses are currently offered for a selection of productions, with plans to expand availability in the near future. Het Nationale Theater aims to make the technology more widely available across its programme over time
Generated live in 223 languages
The concept builds on existing developments in smart captioning for live performances, but introduces a more flexible approach. Instead of relying on pre-programmed scripts, subtitles are generated live and can be offered in 223 languages at any moment, including languages with different reading directions and character systems. This broadens access for both non-Dutch speakers and the estimated 1,5 million deaf and hard-of-hearing people in the Netherlands. While developed for theatre, the technology can also be applied in settings such as multilingual conferences or international events. The concept was initiated by Het Nationale Theater and developed in collaboration with technology partner XRAI, based on Dante audio technology.
A key feature of the system is its direct connection to the actors’ voices rather than a scripted text. Each performer’s speech or singing is captured via individual microphones and transmitted through the audio system to dedicated software. This software converts spoken words into text in real time, with optional translation, and sends the subtitles directly to the glasses in the auditorium. The text appears at the same viewing distance as the stage, creating a more natural and comfortable experience. Colour coding indicates which character is speaking, further supporting comprehension.
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