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Harvesting gold
Advanced arts drama students from Australian Catholic University (ACU National) Brisbane Campus (McAuley at Banyo) are interviewing “elders” at the Golden Years Seniors’ Centre in Brisbane’s northern suburbs and workshopping their memories into a play.
The project includes Australian Writers’ Guild award-winning playwrights Margery and Michael Forde and ACU National School of Arts and Sciences Senior Lecturer Dr Tracey Sanders, well known for creating plays with students and community members, including refugees and people who are homeless.
"I don't think you can make meaningful drama without having strong and direct contact with those we are writing about or representing in our dramatic works,” Dr Sanders said. "This is an extraordinary opportunity to connect students with our elders, to bridge the generation gap, and to develop a whole new framework of respect and understanding.
“We are also contributing to Queensland's history in a way that will tell the stories of some of our oldest and wisest seniors in this area.” The Queensland government is supporting the project, along with ACU National.
Michael and Margery Forde are known for their community-based plays, including Snapshots from Home, X-Stacy, Way Out West and Milo’s Wake.
“As playwrights, we are always on the lookout for opportunities to bring wonderful stories to the stage,” the renowned duo said. “This project is a particularly golden opportunity.”
The 21 drama students are visiting 15 elders on Saturdays at the not-for-profit Golden Years Seniors’ Centre in Nundah, where they are collecting stories and tales about their lives in the area, under the mentorship of the Fordes and Dr Sanders. The stories will come to life as a play, to be performed on Saturday 23 May at 2pm and 6pm at the Centre.
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