Generation 2000 Theatre Project

The two age groups first researched their feelings and experiences with one another using various participatory techniques, such as the River of Life. As part of this approach, the elderly were asked to write down their memories of growing up on a long sheet of paper, used to represent a river with two significant bridges on it (this technique was used extensively in Phase 2 or Generation 1997, as was poetry). Life-size puppets of a pensioner and a teenage girl and boy were used in school assemblies and drama lessons with 9- and 10-year-olds and a group of pensioners, to target feelings and similar experiences. Theatre techniques such as voice work were used to help the participants develop confidence and communication skills in preparation for the performance.

The ensuing play was based on issues which came alive during research with both generations; it was based around a TV talk show format presented as a theatre piece that incorporated shadow puppets and masks. The play ends with a catchy intergenerational "Rap" song. It played to general audiences as well as policy makers, senior police officers and councillors. "These performances demonstrated to the wider community that relationships between generations can be creative and fun." Post-performance discussions with the audience were an important part of the communication process.

Ageing, Youth, Rights.

Ely, outside Cardiff, is one of the largest housing estates in Europe. Poverty and unemployment are commom with a full spectrum of social problems & criminal activities. "Car crime by under age drivers, muggings and a lack of respect for the elderly by gangs of young people have been identified as problems for the older residents of the estate". The content of the play raised issues which were clearly recognised by the audiences as their own concerns (as noted in post-performance discussions). It became clear that the gangs in Ely were a problem for both the young and the elderly. "Older people deplored the lack of respect, lawlessness and breakdown of community values. Young people felt both afraid and under pressure to join a gang and do things they knew were wrong as a form of protection". Through intergenerational communication, the younger people learned a great deal about the history of Ely and were dismayed to discover that it was a much better place to live, long ago. "It's not fair, Ely was better in them days...Why isn't there anything like that for us now?...Bet there was jobs for people then..."