Drama and Reminiscence
with Jos Forrester, Shiny Shilling Theatre Company
Shiny Shilling Theatre Company worked in conjunction with older people at The Grange Day Centre, to produce a piece of reminiscence theatre. The project took almost a year to complete. It has actively involved the service users at all stages of the process. From initial information gathering during reminiscence sessions, to participation within the play from the audience and even a performance from one of the service users.
How the play was created:
Two groups of service users from The Grange were formed, who were interested in participating in reminiscence sessions. The group met on alternate weeks for about fifteen weeks. During the first sessions the basis of the project was explained to the group and they decided on subjects to be discussed in the sessions. Topics included: Housing, schools, jobs, family, relationships, places, hobbies, the war and major life events.
As part of the process the group members were given pictures, photographs and props to help stimulate their recall of past events and situations. Tactile objects were used for handling such as a pos stick, carpet beater, a flat iron and a gas mask, whilst other senses were stimulated by the smell of old tobacco-Capstan Navy Cut. During this process, memories were gathered and stories collected to form the basis of our research. These memories were recorded and then transcribed.
The stories that were gathered were then placed on a storyboard, in a kind of running order, so you could see which stories worked well and fitted together. Jos and other members of the reminiscence group auditioned professional actors and from the audition four actors were chosen to help tell the stories given by the older people.
Supported by:
Kellett Fund at Community Foundation and Newcastle City Council Arts Development Team
