In 2001, Entelechy was commissioned by the GLA Cultural Strategy Group to interview older Londoners about their views on and experiences of culture.

One of the main findings of their report, '89, but still 14', was the lack of opportunities that exist for people of different communities and ages to come together. There was a real concern about the misunderstanding and ignorance that this creates between older people of different cultures; people with learning disabilities; younger people; disabled people; children.

Entelechy's 'Beyond the Tea Dance' has joined forces with The Paradise Players, an older people's theatre group from The Time & Talents Centre, Rotherhithe and other older people who shared these concerns.

The group now includes older women, some disabled, some from Jamaica, England, Barbados, Sierra Leone; some Jewish, some Christian. The group is working on a piece of theatre which explores the issues of different journeys, stories and experiences; different meetings and encounters; misunderstandings; prejudices; the fear of the unknown. Many of the group members are hearing each others' stories and experiences for the first time.

The group is currently putting together various funding applications to develop the work and engage other older people and groups of younger people and share their work with wider audiences.

PAGE
1