Unfolding Theatre, in partnership with The Elders Council of Newcastle, have developed a brand new production Just Us, developed collaboratively with Newcastle residents aged 55 and over.
Involving over 30 local residents aged 55 and over, Just Us evolved out of the project Celebrating Age which aims to promote a positive image of ageing and challenge outdated negative preconceptions about growing older.
Exploring an age-friendly world
Commissioned by The Elders Council of Newcastle, Celebrating Age actively engaged people in their local communities through a series of participatory workshops held at Tree Top Village in Walker and Holy Cross Church in Fenham. Participants were invited by Unfolding Theatre to explore what an age-friendly world would look like to them. Just Us is the result of these discussions with many of the participants performing in the show.
Annie Rigby, Unfolding Theatre Artistic Director said:
“We’ve loved hearing from people aged 55 and over in Newcastle. So many rich life stories, so much insight into lives lived and, at times, sobering reflections on the negative perceptions of ‘getting older’ within our society. Just Us gives a platform to have these very important voices heard. The performance will be informal. Everyone’s welcome and it’s free. Come and enjoy this part theatre show – part bingo game!”.
Clare Levi, Development Worker at The Elders Council of Newcastle said:
“We want to make sure all older people in Newcastle have an opportunity to be active and visible in their own communities. Creative projects like Just Us are a fantastic way to do this and we hope it will boost people’s confidence, challenge stereotypes and break down barriers”.
Barbara, a Celebrating Age participant said:
“The good thing about (the) Celebrating Age event was meeting new people and renewing contact with someone from the past”.
Just Us will be performed on Friday 14 October 2022 at 4 – 6pm at Holy Cross Church and Saturday 15October 2022 at 10.30am – 12.30pm at St Martin’s Centre. Tickets are free but booking is essential.
To book tickets, contact The Elders Council of Newcastle by [email protected] or telephone 0191 2082701.
Just Us is delivered as part of imAGE October 2022 Festival, a month of activities and events across Newcastle to celebrate International Older People’s Day. Celebrating Age is funded by The National Lottery Awards for All England
www.unfoldingtheatre.co.uk | @unfoldingtheatre
