Seniors a GoGo |
Thursday Jun 18 2009
This
past February I wrote an article concerning the Seniors
Action Group of Calgary and their experience with staging
intergenerational theatre projects. In that article I referenced a new
work
and partnership that the group was preparing to undertake with the
Calgary Sexual Health Centre. That new work is now nearing the
end of their Spring 2009 offering and the production is
receiving accolades from all who attend.
With the encouragement and support of Nicole Hergert, a counselor with the Calgary Sexual Health Centre and the artistic leadership and direction of Mariette Sluyter, founding director of the Foundation Lab, Seniors a GOGO was formed as a partnership between the Calgary Sexual
Health Centre, the Seniors Action Group, and the Foundation Lab.
Last Sunday evening in Calgary, the partners held a
celebration event to recognize the accomplishments of Seniors A GOGO in
bringing attention to the promotion of healthy
sexuality throughout one's lifespan through theatre. The celebration event included
pictorial displays, video renditions of monologues written and
performed by seniors, and live productions of some of their work. In
the audience were family members, friends, sponsors, production
assistants, and a number of invited guests.
The evening was kicked off with the artistic director sharing some
of the challenges that the partnership faced in attracting seniors to
share their experience of sexuality and in overcoming the stereotypes
associated with seniors and sex or the absence thereof. Watch for an
upcoming posting by Marianne Sluyter in which she will share more of
the challenges faced by the partnership and of the breakthroughs that
occurred along the way.
Throughout the evening, the audience was introduced to each of the
members of Seniors a GOGO as one by one they shed a light on sexuality,
intimacy, and self-worth for men and women in the normal course of
aging. What was abundantly clear throughout the evening was that,
regardless of age, we all have a need to be loved, to be appreciated,
to be admired, and to be engaged in an intimate relationship. As one
of the seniors shared, it was important to be in a relationship in
which 'In To Me See' (read "Intimacy") was present.
What a pleasure it was to witness seniors sharing the very best of
who they are with younger generations in attendance. All age groups
were represented in the audience and it was my observation that
everyone was touched and inspired by the production members.
Sunday evening was a testimony to the strides that can be made when partnering organizations and individuals come together to advance the quality of life of Elders. Focusing attention on sexuality in the later stages of life is central to the ongoing health and wellness of Elders. Thanks to Seniors a GOGO, I was privileged to experience collaboration in community and wisdom in action!
© 2009 Kevin Brown. All rights reserved.
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