Kim Renders: Searching for
a Voice
This
paper analyzes the success and failure of theatre as a device to
empower an
excluded and often hidden community – specifically in this case,
seniors. Using examples from my experience
with
members of the Victoria Park Seniors’ Centre in Fergus, I will detail
the
process of creating theatre with members of a senior community using
collaborative self-scripting techniques. Since self-scripting
techniques are
often used as a means to give voice to a marginalized group, my hope
was to
enhance the visibility of this group and give it a public voice. In the
role of
facilitator and workshop leader, I worked in collaboration with members
from
the Centre to create an original theatrical performance incorporating
performance elements not usually associated with seniors.
I obtained the services of three other
theatre arts professionals to help me in this aim – a designer, a
choreographer
and a musician. While my goal of educating and giving voice and focus
to an
under-serviced community was partially met, I encountered surprising
obstacles
that required that I compromise my own methodology to suit the
expectations of
the group.