Encounters

The community builds a wall with its ageist attitudes and stereotypical views of how the 'elderly' should behave and act behind which the older person is often put ... INVISIBLE and IGNORED! Sometimes we have encounters in our daily lives which either breakdown or perpetuate these stereotypes. From the most popular, socially connected of us through to the socially isolated loners who reside at the very fringes of the community, we all share these moments. Some encounters are eagerly awaited, like a planned catch up for coffee with an old friend. Others however come unbidden … to challenge and frustrate our existence and to leave behind their mark and reinforce these stereotypes … like a distant family relation that we hoped to avoid but we now feel compelled to listen to.

An ensemble of older actors show how life’s encounters can affect our ageing in this series of short theatre pieces that feature - ash for cash, online dating, voices in our head, songs and transformations. Oh and of course tea. Cups upon cups upon cups of tea!

The company ‘Vintage Theatre Co-op’ aims to enhance the wellbeing and quality of life of the socially isolated older person (65+) through providing accessible opportunities to engage in the performing arts. The cast are community based actors (all over 70) who have progressed through the company’s “Don’t Act Your Age” recreational theatre community workshops. In these workshops participants explore basic theatre and stage performance techniques which allow them to unlock their creative potential.

The actors have worked collaboratively with the company’s Artistic Director Alan Hendry to produce a new short intimate theatre work which aims to challenge the stereotypical view that the community has of how the older person should behave and act. All of the participants have experienced increased social participation and access to the community through their involvement in the creative arts.

Explore life's potential for the older person.