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Multicultural Seniors’
Storytelling Project
Who We Are: Communities:Filipino—Golden Horizon Seniors’ Society: Seniors who meet weekly to share a meal, sing, volunteer for Santa’s Anonymous, pray for their community, and plan group vacations
Korean—Seniors who take English and computer courses at SAGE (Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton)
Latin American—Latin American Senior Citizens Association: Seniors who meet weekly to learn English and computer skills, cook, and raise money to aid Latin American countries
G&F Facilitators:Matthew Gusul and Dhana Cartmell
Under One Sky
What is Under One Sky: Multicultural Seniors’ Storytelling?A project created by GeriActors & Friends (G&F) an Edmonton-based intergenerational theatre company.
Three cultural communities developed original theatre performances.
Our Goals:To create original plays •To integrate seniors from •different cultural backgrounds
For more information contact David Barnet: [email protected]
For video documentary visit www.geriactors.ca/underonesky
Acknowledgements Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council, the Mennonite Centre for Newcomers, Catholic Social Services, Multicultural Health Brokers, SAGE
“�This�is�something�nice�and�different.�We�are�very�grateful�that�you�came�and�offered�it�to�our�community.”
Latin American Senior
This project was funded in part by Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program
Discoveries:All groups enjoyed each others’ performances! They are eager to continue with theatre:The Filipino group wants to perform folk dances and share traditional creation stories. The Latin American group enjoys sharing their stories and experiences.The Korean group was especially grateful. Community leaders are concerned their seniors are isolated due to limited English. It was wonderful to see them sharing and laughing with people from different backgrounds. Since their first performance, they have presented their play at FEST (Festival of Edmonton Seniors Theatre) and the 2nd Annual Immigrant Seniors Forum.
Our Performances:On April 1, 2010, at the Multicultural Potluck & Performance at SAGE, all three communities joined GeriActors & Friends (G&F) to sing, play games, perform for each other, and enjoy an ethnic feast.The performers thrilled a large culturally-diverse audience aged 18-85!
How We Worked (and played!): 1) Strengthening The Group:
Everyone interviewed one another•We shared details about our lives•We played games•Community translators helped overcome language barriers•
2) Different Preferences:One group liked to have coffee and talk—they told stories about their •lives, which we turned into playsTwo groups liked playing games, dancing, singing and acting—they were •so active they needed frequent ‘sit down’ breaksOne group were natural actors and liked performing for one another•Another group wanted a script and performed a folktale in traditional costumes •
3) G&F Play-Creation Model:Establish a safe environment•Encourage creativity through games, singing, dancing, laughter and storytelling•Have long coffee breaks with tasty treats•Enjoy lively conversation over potluck meal •
The entire process led to original performances, based on the groups’ own stories, or a folktale.
What’s Next? Under One Sky was successful and the communities were happy with their participation. The project can be expanded to other cultural communities in Edmonton. Theatre does many things—builds confidence, provides enjoyment, promotes social engagement, even teaches English—and above all builds links between communities.
“�I�am�very�excited�to�be�involved�in�this�project.�It�makes�my�life�happier��than�before.” Korean Senior
“�The�communities�welcomed�us�with�open�arms.�We�learned�so�much�from�their�wisdom��and�traditions.” Dhana Cartmell
“�We�can�learn�from�the�other�seniors.�New�cultures,�dances,�and�songs.”� Filipino Senior
