Class

Article

College

Caine College of the Arts

Department

English Department

Faculty Mentor

Matt Omasta

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Abstract

Ethnodramatic theatre performances are based on real people’s lived experiences, often collected through interviews, while reminiscence theatre pieces specifically consider the experiences of older adults, usually reflecting on their earlier life experiences. Our project had several goals for each participant group who were or will be involved. Our overarching goal for the project is to show both older and younger generations that love stories connect us all. We aimed to share senior citizens’ experiences in order to demonstrate that their stories continue to speak to contemporary youth. Some stories may end positively, and others may not, providing young people with analogies that apply to their own lives. Creating and performing this show has given the older adults we interviewed the opportunity to have their stories heard by younger generations. The students are able to learn from the experiences of older generations, gaining knowledge that will help them in their own romantic experiences. They are also be able to learn about a different style of theatre that isn’t traditionally taught in classrooms. Overall, our project has shown us that no matter who we are, how old we are, or what our lives have been like, we can always find someone that we can connect to. In times of separation like we have been experiencing, it is more important than ever to find those connections and reach out to those who may feel alone.

Location

Logan, UT

Start Date

4-6-2022 12:00 AM

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Apr 6th, 12:00 AM

Love Across the Ages: An Intergenerational Reminiscence Theatre Piece

Logan, UT

Ethnodramatic theatre performances are based on real people’s lived experiences, often collected through interviews, while reminiscence theatre pieces specifically consider the experiences of older adults, usually reflecting on their earlier life experiences. Our project had several goals for each participant group who were or will be involved. Our overarching goal for the project is to show both older and younger generations that love stories connect us all. We aimed to share senior citizens’ experiences in order to demonstrate that their stories continue to speak to contemporary youth. Some stories may end positively, and others may not, providing young people with analogies that apply to their own lives. Creating and performing this show has given the older adults we interviewed the opportunity to have their stories heard by younger generations. The students are able to learn from the experiences of older generations, gaining knowledge that will help them in their own romantic experiences. They are also be able to learn about a different style of theatre that isn’t traditionally taught in classrooms. Overall, our project has shown us that no matter who we are, how old we are, or what our lives have been like, we can always find someone that we can connect to. In times of separation like we have been experiencing, it is more important than ever to find those connections and reach out to those who may feel alone.