Where Now?
In March/April 2023 I worked with Stand Easy to deliver a devising project for retired Emergency Responders. During the project we created a short piece, called “Where Now?” exploring themes of retirement and well-being. The piece was performed at the Retired Police Officers Association Scotland conference. There are some projects (and people) who stick with you, and this project is certainly one of them.
The thing I love about working in community arts is that I get to meet wonderful people I’d never normally meet, I have a chance to get to know them, to laugh (and sometimes cry) with them and to get a glimpse into their lives. The workshop space is one which holds a strange intimacy, no one else will ever get to share the moments of honesty, moments of belly-aching laughter, moments of inspiration and moments of friendship and closeness.
The company on the day of their performance, April 2023
This kind of work isn’t really about performing, although that can be a wonderful and affirming experience; it is about the process. It’s about having the opportunity to laugh, to step outside of your day-to-day life and try something new, to take a risk, to connect with people and to be part of something bigger than you. The process is just for us, the performance is a way of sharing it with others.
To watch the participants grow in confidence during the course of this project and to spend time with them each day has been the greatest privilege. Their generosity, courage and good humour are inspiring and I am grateful they trusted me enough to allow me to lead them through this process. Although I’m the leader, the project would be nothing without them, they are the ones that bring the magic. I am merely the conduit for their creativity.
So, what have I learnt?
You’re never too old to play:
The group that arrived this year had a real appetite for fun, for silliness and for play. They jumped into things with both feet, giving everything a go and (mostly) laughing along the way. Their spirit of curiosity and playfulness was inspiring. It can be easy to have preconceptions about what ‘older people’ or retirement looks like, these three weeks have challenged that daily. To witness the energy these people have brought each day and to see them request their favourite games, to get competitive and to explore the make-believe is heart-warming and humbling. When I grow up, I want to be like them.
Participants in rehearsal, March 2023
When one door closes, another opens:
When we reached the end of the project heartfelt goodbyes (and some tears) were shared. We all wished it could have gone on longer but that in itself is part of the magic. During the project we spoke a lot about resisting the temptation to dwell in the past, to see a door closing as the chance for another to open.
Social connection is key:
After the last 3 years of Covid, lockdowns and isolation this project has reminded me more than ever of how important social connection is to us all. Taking part in a drama workshop won’t fix all your problems but it will give a chance to connect with other people, a chance to laugh and to feel less alone. For some who took part in this project I could clearly see the positive impact that being around like minded individuals had, people began to seem more relaxed and more positive. This was born out in our evaluation data, 100% of those who took part said they would want to take part in future projects like this, 100% also stated that they felt more connected to others and that their wellbeing had improved as a result of taking part.
I will end with some words from one of our participants:
“A fantastic 3 weeks in the company of some special folks who have become friends in a way I wasn’t sure was possible. [’d urge anyone to] come along, be prepared not to take yourself too seriously in the beginning, you will get benefit if you allow yourself to open up to the challenge.”
To find out more about the project and watch the film of the group’s performance click here.
Hannah Uttley - Lead Artist, Emergency Responders
