Dancing in Their Footsteps- 1 last performance

There will be one final performance of age Exchange's  'Dancing in Their Footsteps' on June 4th in the 'BakeHouse' Theatre in Blackheath.
Come along for some reminissing and a good old sing song!

Dancing in their Footsteps Success!

The play went really well today so a big congratulations to the entire cast. There were moments where I felt like it wasn’t going to go well (for example, when I was asked to find a very specific type of coat for one of the scenes yesterday) but luckily all of the problems seemed to dissolve. My Nan stayed at my house last night so she could get to the play today without so much trouble; however i think I underestimated how difficult it would be to get my Nan to mine. There were a lot of steps that I didn’t realise were there. We had a fun evening though, and luckily it was sunny so my Nan didn’t have to see how dismal our flat looks when it’s not sunny.

On arrival to the theatre in the morning I was apprehensive about the stage, it had a capacity of 290 i think and we were told it would be full up. We had also been told that we would be on a very large dance stage; in my worst imagination i had thoughts of having to run back and forth across the stage to place chairs and falling over. Chairs’ obviously not being the most important issue- but it was in my Job description, so I had the right to be cautious. Also, this stage meant that it would be impossible for me and Olivia to sit off stage- A professional theatre as opposed to a little studio downstairs. My Nan enjoyed the thought of performing on an international dance stage though; we had stories all Saturday and Sunday when she met up with the other older people about how in the old days they had been all over the world to perform in big theatres. Once John Major came to see them! I think there was a little disappointment last year that they wouldn’t be acting in the main theatre.

The Laban building was incredible- apparently designed by the same person that designed the Tate Modern- the closer you walked towards the building the more it started to blend into the skyline and the foreground was covered in strangely shaped hills that dance students were running up and down gracefully, the surface of the building seems to be covered in a strangely coloured blue/green plastic that is almost lenticula when you look at it. Malcolm said that it was nicknamed Teletubby land, but this was something else, definitely worth a look if you are around Deptford.

But yes, the play went really well, all of the que’s were followed correctly and despite not being able to view it from the front there was defiantly a lot more energy in the performance than had been in any rehearsals. I think the audience really enjoyed it too- there was an astounding amount of laughter coming from the audience- even at points where we didn’t anticipate it. The was also a lot of applause after our bad manners scene; mainly because Jean- one of our older actresses had to pogo with a lot of teens for about 5 minutes straight!

we have been told that the performance will be repeated in the near future at our regular place in Blackheath (The Bakehouse Theatre) I can't wait to see everyone again. I am definately going to miss rehursals on a saturday morning now it's all over.

Dancing in their footsteps tomorrow!

The intergenerational production of ‘Dancing in Their Footsteps’  will be taking place tomorrow at the Leban Theatre at Creekside in Deptford. Please come along, the play is part of the ‘Age to Age’, Lewisham’s first intergenerational festival and it is free. It is a very light hearted play about the reminiscences of the cast; from young to old- it also has an eclectic soundtrack!

Cheers!

'Age to Age' Seminar on Reminissance Theatre

An interesting part of today's seminar i felt was the highlight upon the ethical jurisdiction  that the programme managers put upon themselves when working with different age groups. throughout today's workshops there was a strong emphasis on the ethical boundaries that should always be apparent in this type of work. David (Savill) even made a clear point that in 1998 the company (Age Exchange) refused to work anymore with venerable elders without having their carers present and working with the programme.  He said that it was irresponsible to raise the hopes of theses people, only to then leave them where they first left off when the funding runs out.  I am in total agreement with this and from an artistic perspective i have a great respect for an artistic director to admit responsibility and keep it as a work ethic. At college i feel that this is something that is constantly challenged and questioned- why i have such a strong ethical boundary to keep 'the people who i work with' away from 'my work' - As it was described today in the context of recording and making a play out of memories (which i believe to be a very apt description) is - I come to listen to you and your memories and i make work. But the work is an outcome. You always come first.

I must say, without getting to soppy, it was a really enlightening experience today to be surrounded by people who really believe in and want to do 'good' for venerable people- but not in a patronising way, a way in which every participant is treated as an individual. There was a lady helping to run the seminar today called Susan Langford who spoke today about her processes into creating 'Magicme'- which has been running now for 20 years creating intergenerational projects across the country, she was actually awarded an MBE for all of her work- a lady to look up to.

One new programme that Magicme is running at the moment is called 'cocktails in carehomes'- which is exactly what it says on the tin. What a fabulous idea, who wouldn't enjoy that concept? I would really like to go along to one- its not just entertainment for old people which you would appropriate with an ordinary carehome project, it is a fun atmosphere where older people can reminisce and communicate with volunteers of all ages who also enjoy themselves.

I think today's emphasis of having fun in intergenerational work has totally won me over. There is no way i could fault any  of the company's that were running the seminar.

Last Rehersal & Art

It was our las rehersal today for Dancing in thier footsteps- and to be honest it went swimmingly well- we ran through twice with no problems at all- which is either really good (which it would seem) or really bad (in my negativity i imagine that because it went so well, people are not going to rehearse) also, i found out that it is bad luck to read the last line of a play in a performance. To be honest, that is quite rediculas, otherwise how would anyone ever be able to practise thier lines? I think Malcolm was relieved about the rehurseal today as Saturdays had gone a little belly up- one of the main characters couldn't make it and i had to stand in whilst doing the chairs at the same time. Its fine when Olivia is there- as a trained actress, she has the ability to read a script and not laugh after every line. Its a shambles when i do it.

After rehursal i went off to meet Joe for our second gallery trip of the week. We laughed about finally turning into real art students that actually enjoy going to gallerys in our spare time. We headed up to The White Cube in Masons Yard for a nice private view 'New order'- with promises of free Peroni. the exhibition was ok. I found a couple of pieces of work a little too overdone for the sensitive issues that they were talking about. For example, one artist had constructed sculptures out of furniature- to symbolise the 'silent witness' it is to what happens in war ridden or chaotic places. I liked the idea and the cupboards were aesthetically nice, but it did seem like they had only been constructed horizontally so they would fit in a space. I could be wrong, but the craftmanship, i feel, over-shadowed the point that the artist was trying to make. One piece i found interesting was Miroslaw Balka's 'Kategorie',  a large cold concerete tunnel, subtley lit, and as you trvelled through you had to avoid delicate threads hanging from the ceiling of the tunnel, slowley revolving. as you walked through you felt concerned that you would break the thread and as it reached the floor it gradually dissapeared to the floor. Each thread was a different colour- each one symbolising the different uniforms prisoners in the Polish concentration camps. It reminded me a lot of the cold schitzophrenic structure of the Berlin Jewish Museum which makes you feel physically sick through navigation of space, but in a way  this piece removed  you from the sickening realities of the holocaust and made you think more specifically about the individuals that would have been victimised. Most definately the highlight of the show.

The second trip we made this evening was up to Bethnal Green to the Vyner street galleries. Being 'First Thursday' night, it was absolutely packed in every space down Vyner Street- and the specific exhibition which we came to see (Structure) was bursting by the seams. Structure is an exhibition that is being held at the moment by a couple of 2nd year BA students from Havering college. It is quite impressive  of the students from the course to get a venue like this, just for an ordinary show(Not to sound patronising, but it is a lot easier for 2nd year students based in London to find a space in london, than those based in a college outside), and they managed to get a big following down as well.  I like to keep up to date with what the college are getting up to- the foundation i was on at Havering was great and the Tutors there are very keen for the BA to come up to the same standard, and baring in mind that it is only in its fourth year, i think it is certainly making its way in the art world.

The show itself was what i was expecting, to be honest, a lot of print and paintings and a couple of videos. The space itself was broken up quite nicely but as there were so many people i found it difficult to look at work in any detail. I think the best work in this show was a painting of a building, it was a high rise concerete block but the centre image was surrounded by gold leaf which gace the painting a really uplifting feel. Unfortunately i couldn't get close enough to see who had painted it or a title even- but this is the one that i found most interesting. There was also a video that was rather creepy with a child whispering on it. Sadley i think my attention was drawn to it because it reminded me of an episode of Dr Who where a child keeps whispering 'are you my mummy' whilst its head has been merged to a gas mask- but anyway, yes, this did keep my attention for a while.

Outside there was some performance art going on, not really my cup of tea. A friend described it as a performance that was supposed to be amusing, the performers covered in sheets and/or newspapers chanting and ringing bells. I personally thought it was more embaressing than funny and a bit boreing to watch, and as they walked towards a car that was trying to drive down the road the performers seemed to become very confrontational, inching the car back as they walked towards it. The driver obviously didn't know what was going on and was worried about running into them. The performers on the other hand i think wanted to make a statement for statements sake. The crowds were a little too much for me, maybe i'm getting old, but people are just becoming ruder and ruder, and no one has any spacial awareness. I think i'm starting to get more and more claustraphobic around people. I may need to sort myself out before i stop leaving the house!

Beautiful Ballrooms

I managed to get to The reminiscence centre today for a rehearsal of the up and coming age exchange production. I was quite apprehensive at first- seeing as i haven't been to the centre for a couple of months, but i needn't have been because i got a very warm welcoming as i came in. A lot of the cast from the previous play were there as well as one or two new faces. Apparently there will be more coming, but we have lost a couple of the younger peoples theatre to university.
As always there were a lot of stories flying about, from the old days and actually some that i had in common about school discos- the DJ that always insisted on playing the Bob the Builder song and wore a silly wig and a Micheal Jackson mask. They were always bizarre, and obviously not too unique either. I also had to join in with some of the exercises as we were lacking cast members- it was immediately apparent that i am not able to follow a script, let alone dance, or even pretend to dance! Here's to hoping that more people will turn up next time.
The location of the play this time is actually going to be in a ballroom- The Rivoli Ballroom in Brocky. I didn't realise until i checked back on my e-mails today but I'm really looking forward to the stage managing now- it means i get to have a good explore around the theatre. In which case it shouldn't have really come as surprise to me that the play would be based around going out and dancing.
I'm back again in a couple of weeks to check up on what is going on- looking forward to the stories!

Age Exchange- Stage manager take 2

I just received a message from Malcolm to ask if i would like to stage manage the next age exchange production- of course, i said yes straight away. I'm really happy that he decided to contact me again, even if my nan was name dropping when he spoke to her about the play, "You thought about getting Nat back Malcolm? Everyone loved her last time..."nothing like your nan getting you a job in the arts. Still, not to put myself down too much, he didn't say no, so i must have done a good job last time.

The Ties that Bind- The performances

The performances yesterday went really well and were both full to the brim with audience. My main part in the show being stage manager was to move chairs and keep people quiet- but i think i did well. Nobody really needed prompting so i think the main thing about a performance such as this one is to keep everyone's morale up throughout the performance and keep people fed and watered. Yesterday morning consisted of shopping for lunch, cleaning the kitchen up, making lots of tea, and of course collating props and chairs. Overall it was thoroughly enjoyable though, all of the actors are such friendly people- as were the people working with us in the theatre.
We did have a bit of an accident with the director falling over onto his wrist- it looked pretty swollen, but in true theatre style he suggested that the show must go on. That was the only accident though, including audience, so a safe-ish show.
Some of my favourite parts of the show, were of course the singing, my nan and Kitty- both songs very different, my nan sang 'slow boat to china' which got the audience singing along. Kitty's song was much sadder, and left the majority of the audience speechless. I also enjoyed Jeans story about her gran and how she cut a lady's feather off her hat because she couldn't see at the theatre.
The theatre itself was an amazing building, If you've not been there before, it is worth a trip, even for a cup of tea. It really brightens up the street that its placed in, amazing doors- stairs and general interior/ exterior.

Follow the link below to see the video played at the beginning of the show:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6k0gnJjido

Anyway, I'm off to get ready for camping this evening with the Guides- hopefully I'll be able to get some more links on here soon of the production.

The Ties that Bind- Tomorrow!

http://broadwaytheatre.ticketsolve.com/shows/25499244/events

Buy tickets for tomorrows performance of  'The ties that bind'- 3.30pm and 6pm at the Broadway Theatre, Lewisham.

The dress rehearsal was today and everything is looking tip top!

The Ties That Bind- final practise before dresss rehersals

Its been a very long rehearsal today, and I've been left wishing that i hadn't had to miss last weeks. Everyone has come on so far since the week before last. The songs in the piece are really nice, they are going to be accompanied by a guitar- and all of the scenes are running through well with people naturally bouncing off each other. Also with the scripts completely gone all of the humour in the scenes are really apparent. There is a monologue that has been written by one of the girls as well which is amazing. There aren't set changes at all, but she tells the whole story perfectly with her actions and facial expressions. I can't wait to see the theatre next week, and how it will look from an audience perspective. Also, a video has been directed to show before the performance which I'm quite intrigued to see. I don't even know what it is about yet.
I'm off to go through my nans lines with her on monday, she'll probably be fine with her lines. But it would be good to stop round anyway.

thegalleryistalking- getting ready for the launch

I'm slightly apprehensive about the launch of thegalleryistalking (A project raising issues around dyslexia and the gallery space between Tate Britain and Chelsea College of Art and Design BA Fine Art) there are many maps to be made and things to arrange. I am starting to feel as if i have taken a little too much on. I have also recently found out that not only will i have to be at the Tate Britain as early in the morning as i can but i also have an important rehearsal to attend with AgeExchange on the same date, from 10am until 4pm, and as i am only getting back from Norway on the Wednesday before, I'm a bit concerned about when i will have time to eat sleep and live from Thursday until the end of Saturday. O dear.

The Ties that Bind- Stage Manager

I have just been asked to be the Stage Manager for 'The Ties that Bind' which is excellent news! I knew that i would have some part to play within the production, however i was convinced that i was going to be made to act (Which, although i perform, my acting skills are about as convincing as a doughnut disguised as a fruitcake). I'm not too sure what is involved as of yet, but i am really excited to be involved in such an organisational way, especially in a project that is so different.

AgeExchange, cross generational performance

My nan has always acted since i was very little in a group called Age Exchange (although, back then i think it was under a different name 'the good companions' ) It is a reminiscence group that focuses on the experience of OAPs during the war and after. How they were bought up and how the second world war affected their lives. They always included a bit of a sing song, a tap dance from 'Kitty' (a long standing member of the group) and some Jokes about the 'old days'- with a small amount o f reality thrown back at the audience.
My nan wasn't always an actress and to be honest i don't think any of the other members were, but the group has always had a focus of giving the older generation confidence in their own abilities of story telling.
Although my nan hasn't acted in one of these plays for a while (She's just had her second hip replacement) she has just been called back to Blackheath (The reminiscence centre- see photo) to see if she wants a part in a new play that will be exploring the memories of the Age Exchange members and a group from the young peoples theatre group (Ages from about 10- 19).
I have been along to the first couple of rehearsals, and it is really interesting to watch this play being formed from peoples memories and the inks between these memories and stories. My nan has spoken about her experience of working with her dad, taking the horse and cart over the Woolwich ferry, a young girl has spoken about how her mother was bought over to England from Jamaica only to find that her own mother didn't recognise her, there have also been other exercises which involve talking about experiences of being on a bus, Its surprising how many people have exactly the same stressful memories about buses.
I'm hoping to have a part in this play at some point, so far i have just been listening and talking to people. All of my nans friends remember me which is sweet, I think i went to the centre when i was bout 10 to stuff envelopes! Kitty is still there too, the director is currently trying to find a way to get her to dance in the play.
I think the most interesting part for me at the moment is finding out how a 'Brechtian' play can be made in such a normal way. As these people are acting they just suddenly break into talking to the audience which is so natural, yet theoretically isn't so normal.