SPRING CHICKENS
Spring Chickens is a unique two-year creative outreach programme for older people in Northern Ireland. Big Telly Theatre Company has designed the programme so that it focuses on creative expression and engagement within the older community. The programme was inspired by Big Telly’s hugely positive and energetic experience working with the older generation on its past productions.
The programme will consist of a variety of workshops focusing on an exciting range of creative skills including story-telling in various forms, circus skills, writing, multi media, comedy, magic, puppetry, design, drama, music, and movement. Big Telly is taking the workshops to sheltered accommodation, residential homes, day care centres, older peoples groups, and can arrange home visits for those in rural and isolated areas. The aim of this is to explore the diverse tales and stories participants have to offer - some may be imaginative, some life experience, some long and some short. It is an opportunity for these lively stories to be made accessible to the wider community through the medium of the arts.
Spring Chickens will culminate at the end of the two years on 3rd October 2009 when five shows will be performed simultaneously in five venues across Northern Ireland. The final shows will be professionally directed and produced and will be written, designed and performed entirely by the older population. Zoë Seaton is the overall director of the programme, which has been funded by The Atlantic Philanthropies.
It is not expected that all participants over the two years will participate in the final shows. The workshops can be attended as a once off or when you wish! The programme is designed to be enjoyed by all as often as you like so there is no pressure to commit to the full two years.
If you would like to get involved or simply want to know a bit more about this exciting project call Cróna Lynch on 028 7083 1782 or email crona@big-telly.com.
