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Encore Theatre has been described as a return to the origins of theater, when the elders of the tribe shared their stories around a campfire. Those stories served many purposes: they passed on knowledge and wisdom, taught ways of being and interacting, brought history to life, and provided a sense of community and continuity. They connected people of all generations, and so does Encore.
What happens?Kids have an opportunity to see the differences and similarities of their lives with the elders. They feel less alone. They have some stereotypes broken—definitely about old people and aging. They learn history in a personal way, and see how others have taken risks, survived hard times, and even thrived. Teachers and staff have opportunities for discussion, and new doors are opened for communication. The senior performers have their lives affirmed, and feel needed. (Some even call it free therapy!) The community has a way to support work that is making a positive difference. Why does it work so well?1) There's a need for it. Extended families have diminished, and technology has isolated us. Kids are hungry for connection. 2) There's an innate skip-a-generation connection that Encore builds upon. Kids trust grandparents! 3) It's theatre, and theatre can touch peoples' hearts. 4) It's free. Facilities would not be having us if it weren't. Kids know that the senior performers are all volunteers, and that a lot of work happened to bring Encore to them.
Encore was started as a way for seniors to share their life stories with youth, but it has evolved to so much more: personal theatre workshops with folks of all ages, creating shows with seniors and kids in detention, and sharing all these ideas with people around the world! People everywhere seem to be hungry for connection, and hungry for the truth. Encore is filling a need.
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