Elders Mondays with the Royal Exchange
Carmel Smickersgill, Tours & Activities Editor
We’ve all come to appreciate the importance of staying connected in the past year. Theatre is a brilliant way to instantly bridge the gap between you and a room full of people. The Royal Exchange has been encouraging older people to take full advantage of theatre’s social capabilities with their Elders Mondays. These sessions currently take place over zoom but will hopefully be returning to the theatre once it’s safe to do so.
Expect creative play, improvisation and more, with no previous experience required.
Dates can vary so keep an eye on the website to see when the next Monday is happening. The day usually consists of three sessions each focusing on a different aspect of theatre. They begin with a creative writing session (9:30 – 10:30 am). In these, you’ll be encouraged to develop your own creative writing skills. Each week looking at a different aspect of the craft, such as character, structure or dialogue.
Writing is followed by reading. In the Elders Outloud sessions (10 am – 1pm), the group read a variety of plays, responding to them with discussion and thoughts surrounding the text or content. Your welcome to read, contribute to conversation or simply listen, depending on how you’d like to be involved.
Finally, the day concludes with Elders Play (2 – 4 pm). This last session is more similar to a practical drama workshop. You’ll be challenged to get creative, have fun and play with the group under the guidance of expert practitioner Andy Barry. Expect creative play, improvisation and more, with no previous experience required.
No matter which of the sessions you attend, you can be sure to feel welcomed and safe within the groups. Whether you’re a longstanding passionate thespian or just fancy shaking up your usual routine. Elders Mondays offer a chance to get creative and have fun with like minded people of a similar age.
