Lives of nonagenarians put on stage

Otago Daily Times

01-05-2025

Being positive about the future and looking forward to life are some of the key messages in an upcoming South Canterbury Drama League production.
The Secret Lives of Extremely Old People by New Zealand poet and novelist Rachel McAlpine will be taking centre stage at the Playhouse next week.
The comical play dives into the lives of older people, showing what really goes on behind closed doors and touches on the many ups and downs of ageing.
Debutant director Chris Thomas said the play was full of heart and humour.
"It's all about celebrating life at every age and looking at ageing from a fresh perspective."
He said the play showed unexpected stories of older folks and proved that just because they were older their lives were not any less interesting.
"Ninety-year-olds have a life, they look forward to their life and what happens in it.
"Yes, there are problems, they have this, they have that but they still love life and get on living it.
"The play is very well written. While there is the critique of some things like our hospital system or government, it's actually really positive."
The performance features a cast of six characters over the age of 90 and includes a couple who have been married for more than 70 years, a character with dementia, a gigging musician and another with a substantial number of grandchildren.
Mr Thomas, who is also the manager of Age Concern South Canterbury, said his work with the organisation had been very beneficial when it came to directing the show.
"You'd really have to go and learn, you'd have to go and spend some time in a rest-home, or in a group setting where people are 90 years old.
"Fortunately, I have.
"Quite a few of our clients, and the people that we support are in their 90s, so I know what they're like."
He said he had heard every line of the play spoken by someone in the community or by Age Concern clients and members.
"Our oldest cast member for this play is 82 and the youngest is 28.
"It's been really fun working with everyone. I will have to say to them sometimes like 'you can't sit down like that, you're a 90-year-old' or 'walk with little steps and walk slower'."
There will be a special show on May 14 which will be used as a fundraiser for Age Concern South Canterbury, he said.
"When we got the rights to the show I immediately approached the drama league and asked it we could have a night that we could use as a fundraiser, so it's been really good.
"Tickets for that one are $35 and before the performance Rachel McAlpine will offer a personal introduction to the play."
He said the proceeds would help fund vital programmes for older people in the community.
"It's a chance to enjoy a great show and support a great cause that makes a real difference for older adults in South Canterbury."
Mr Thomas said he had really enjoyed stepping into a directorial role for the first time.
"For a start it was like, 'geez, what am I supposed to do?'.
"I've found you have to be very focused, quite often on the little things like where a chair is or how they are talking to the audience.
"I've found myself being quite picky about things.
"It's been good, I'm certainly ready for the play and if given the opportunity, I would definitely like to direct again."
He said it had been a fantastic journey for everyone involved.
Show dates: Friday May 9 and May 16 — 7.30pm
Saturday May 10 and May 17 — 2pm
Sunday May 11 — 2pm
Thursday May 15 — 7.30pm
Tickets are $30 and can be purchased from the iTicket website or by visiting the Information Centre.
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