Towards a Manifesto: The Performance Ensemble

We are the Performance Ensemble. A company of older people with stories to tell and experiences to share. Some of us are writers, dancers, musicians, actors; others are teachers, scientists, social workers, probation officers.  Some of us are professional performers. Most of us are not. We each have our own unique perspective on life. Our own story. 

 

Everybody’s story is equally important, equally valued. 

 

As an ensemble, we are a group of people who support, encourage and learn from each other. We aim to produce work that is multi-layered and meaningful, with contributions from people of all backgrounds and nationalities, who have lives full of energy and intent. We aim to share these lives with our audiences, through movement and dance, song and the spoken word. The blending together of our different talents and experiences, results in performances of great power and beauty.

 

Are you an older person and do you have a story to tell about your life? Maybe you would like to join us. Our company is growing all the time, and we invite you to come and be a part of it. It doesn’t matter what work you’ve done, or what kind of life you have led. The wider the range of experience in the ensemble, the better. Don’t be put off by the word perform. Please don’t think, “I’m not an actor, so this isn’t for me.” This is not about acting. It is about being truthful. “I am here. This is me. And I have a story to tell you.” Performing, for us, means just that:  telling stories. And we are learning the best way to tell them, together. We are making art, with the experience of age.

 

At present there are about forty of us, who meet once a week. But we would like many more to join us.

 

Leeds aims to be the best city in the country to grow old in. Our project is a vital part of the city achieving that aim. There are more than 167,000 people in Leeds who are over sixty years old. They have important and sometimes extraordinary experiences and gifts to share. But too many sit at home feeling unfulfilled, lonely – even rejected. As they’ve grown older, they feel they have become invisible.  We want to bring them back into the heart of city life, by putting their stories centre stage. 

 

Audience reactions to our performances:

 

“It found a language that celebrated each person on stage, whatever their age, shape, experience, training, culture. Irrelevant differences fell away, leaving only the presence of  each person’s essential and individual humanity – the best of us” .

 

“The stories are so poignant. Has made me reflect about myself and society. We need to talk more to every generation. Loneliness can happen to anyone at any time.” 

 

“Truly moving experience today. All those performers and their stories shining like so many polished stones.”

 

Come and join us!

 

We’re already working in partnership with Leeds Playhouse, Leeds Older Peoples Forum, and Leeds City Council. We’re also trying to make it as easy as possible for people to join us by setting up various hubs around the city. For example at Chapel FM, Health for All, The Cardigan Community Centre, Space2, and Feel Good Factor and we’re aiming for another six or so. 

 

To use the well-loved mantra of our Artistic Director, “This is us. We are here. And we are fine.”

 

To find out more and to find out how to join us… Contact

Email: info@theperformanceensemble.com 

Telephone: 07846575377 - please leave a message.

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