Viewpoint for Elders

A Fun Improvisation System that helps you connect with others in time & space

Viewpoints for Elders has been adapted for stage acting by Anne Bogart and Tina Landau in which they use an improvisational system that trains an actor to use their body in time and space to create meaning.

Date
A diverse group of smiling people gathered in front of a library, under a sign that invites passersby to "explore your library," showcasing a sense of community and a love for reading and learning.
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September – December 2019

A 12-week drama course & 2 showcases for people aged 60+.

Viewpoints for Elders has been adapted for stage acting by Anne Bogart and Tina Landau in which they use an improvisational system that trains an actor to use their body in time and space to create meaning. They are points of awareness that a performer or creator has while working. They are Spatial Relationship, Kinesthetic Response, Shape, Gesture, Repetition, Architecture, Tempo, Duration, and Topography. It may sound complex, but it is not. It is a lot of fun.

These are some of the feedback we had from the group:

Watching a viewpoint improvisation: "very moving"

- Jean

Could see that improvisers had "respect for each other"

- Sheila

Taking part "makes you feel relaxed, you forget other things. It takes the anxiety away"

– Jane

Since completing the work, we have received some encouraging words about how they feel.

were able to "go with the flow"

"in the zone"

"in tune"

"attuned to each other"

"unity"

"respecting each other"

"could feel the love from everybody"

This event is offered as part of The Happy Place, a community programme created by Church Street Library, and supported by the Neighbourhood Keepers and Westminster City Council, in association with Church Street Futures Group.

Gallery

  • A man in striped clothing is enthusiastically holding up a sign that reads "view point" while standing in front of a staircase outside a building, addressing a seated audience during a sunny day. another person is visible behind him in a playful pose, adding a touch of humor to the scene.
  • A group of people enjoying an outdoor event near a library with some engaging in a bubble-catching activity.
  • People enjoying a lively dance session in the courtyard of a public library on a sunny day.
  • Three people in a room with illustrated walls experiencing a moment of playful chaos, as one person seems to be dancing, the middle one covers her eyes in jest, and the third looks amused, with chairs and a table suggesting a casual meeting or activity space.
  • Community members enjoying a sunny day in an urban garden outside the local library.
  • A group of elders actively participating in an energetic workshop or class, possibly related to theater or dance, showing enthusiasm and engagement in the activity.