Puppetry enhancingthe lives of elderly

To learn more about the art of puppetry and how it can enhance creativity, health and wellbeing join Idolrich Theatre Rotto for a free day of activity, exhibition and performance at Ore Community Centre on Saturday April 24.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Apr 2016, 11:25 BST

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Puppetry SUS-160420-111814001Puppetry SUS-160420-111814001
Puppetry SUS-160420-111814001

The Dreamcloth Puppet Open Day starts at 10am with a session for carers and co-ordinators to show how puppetry can be used as a tool to help older people develop their creativity, dexterity and confidence.

This is followed by lunch and an exhibition of work at 12.30pm and showings and workshops at 2pm, which is open to all and will include a mix of puppet making and performance.

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Idolrich’s Artistic Director Julia Dunbar McLean said: “We are carrying on with our work in the seniors’ sector and holding this open day to show off the work produced so far and so that people can experience the magic of puppetry in real time.

“The activity has been so well received inducing a sense of wellbeing in our participants – many of whom have asked for return visits – that we are looking to extend the scheme to reach more people in East Sussex.

“Settings we have visited are sheltered accommodation, day centres, seniors’ clubs, special interest groups, care homes, nursing homes and hospitals for dementia sufferers as well as the U3A (University of the Third Age), which means we have covered a very wide age range – from 55-102 – whilst tailoring the activity to the varying abilities encountered.”

Idolrich Theatre Rotto is a Hastings-based charitably registered theatre company specialising in puppetry.

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“They tour nationally and locally with a repertoire of children’s/family and adult shows as well as workshops and training. In the recent past they have diversified into working within the community – with young people, refugees and most recently – The Dreamcloth – in seniors’ settings.

The scheme has been supported by Hastings Borough Council, Sussex Community Foundation and Big Local North East Hastings.

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Related topics:University of the Third AgeHastingsEast Sussex