Leeds theatre company The Performance Ensemble creates contemporary performance from the real life experiences of older people, and is hoping to add to its company of performers over the age of 60, as well as to gather 1,000 stories from the City’s older folk. This will create a piece for Leeds Cultural Festival in 2023.
“We are actively looking for new members to join The Performance Ensemble,” explains Artistic Director Alan Lyddiard.
“There is no prerequisite – you don’t have to have experience in theatre or the arts, but you must be over 60 years old.”
Company members join from different backgrounds and cultures, some with experience of acting, dancing and writing; others to experience participation in the theatre as a personal first.
“We celebrate the fullness of life and explore vulnerability, resilience, and ageing,” Alan continues.
“I want to work with people in what I call ‘the space between professional, amateur and community arts practice’, concentrating on shared knowledge and experience. When you are older you have many things to contribute and each of us will learn from the other.”
Alan was a theatre and film director for 40 years and formed The Performance Ensemble in 2014 when he was 65. It now has a core company of 35 people and a wider membership of over 100.
“I don’t think the desire to create work and discover new things ever goes away, and that is why I started The Ensemble – I want to explore new ways to create theatre and engage with others.”
For more information and to get involved
email [email protected] or call 07846 575 377
Covid 19 statement: The company is operating with physical distancing measures using the telephone and Zoom to connect with its members and create work.
Feature photograph is Alan Lyddiard by Mike Pinches.
