What happens when you bring together a group of strangers aged 18 to 90 and ask them to write a play?

That was the starting point of Hampstead Theatre’s most recent project in collaboration with Wac Arts - an arts centre based in the Old Town Hall in Belsize Park and known for its longstanding work with young people.

The project aimed to go beyond age brackets and instead created a shared creative space for both younger and older local people.

“We always wanted to do an intergenerational project,” says Jennifer Davis Hampstead Theatre’s Participation Director, “but we didn’t want to focus on our differences - we wanted to focus on storytelling and let everything else happen naturally.”

The seven-week programme brought together 16 participants, recruited though Wac Arts and another organisation that is also based in their building – the University of the Third Age (U3A) who provide opportunities for older people to learn, connect and stay active in their retirement.

Many of the older participants had previously been involved in a memoir writing group or creative classes, but this was something new: an introduction to playwriting led by writer Carmen Nasr whose latest plays are being premiered at the National Theatre and Almeida.

Each participant created their own short play or scene, some drawing from personal history, others from imagination or the Old Town Hall’s rich heritage. Themes ranged from family stories to protest, dystopia and even a Noel Coward style drama.

One particularly moving piece was written by a participant who adapted her memoir into a short play about her Hungarian Jewish husband who escaped the Nazis.

“Honestly, I thought some people might find it overwhelming or drop out,” says Jennifer “but they absolutely grabbed the opportunity with both hands. There was a real sense of care in the room. One moment that stood out for me was the first rehearsal room read through. This can sometimes be an anxious time for writers but the group were so invested in each other’s work that there was a real sense of calm as they offered kind words of support.”

Despite the differences in background, life experience and interests the group bonded deeply.

“Working with this group of intergenerational writers has been a privilege and a joy,” says playwright Carmen Nasr.

“I have been moved and astonished at the group's impressive capacity to truly listen to each other in a deep and radical way. It can often feel that we live in a society where understanding each other across generations and experiences has become increasingly challenging, but these writers made space for each other's stories through the power of genuine curiosity, empathy and a desire for connection. The scenes they wrote were impressive and ambitious and I really hope they continue to tell their stories.”

By the end of the project there were 16 original pieces in total which were read by professional actors at a celebratory sharing which was attended by friends and family.

Perhaps one of the most telling moments of the project was part-way through when one of the younger participants was spotted in the foyer at Hampstead Theatre working on a new draft of their play. Similarly, older participants from U3A were seen doing the same at Wac Arts.

“That’s what we’re trying to build” says Jennifer “a sense of belonging. This is their theatre and now, they feel like they can be here, writing, creating, seeing theatre and being part of it.”

The project was part of Hampstead Theatre’s ENGAGE programme which is supported by Camden Council.

 

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ENGAGE HERE