Telling Tales

Older people have amazing stories to share with their communities - what if these people are given the opportunity to not only tell their stories but to present them in a theatrical event that celebrates their lives and experiences, while at the same time challenging the stereotypes of ageing? Telling Tales will provide this opportunity. What distinguishes Telling Tales from other oral history/theatre projects is the participation of the storytellers telling their own stories in the theatrical presentation. Community building will result from older community members engaged in the project as storytellers in the theatrical presentation, reminiscence circle and audience.

Research from both overseas and Australia attest to the fact that the arts make a very positive contribution to healthy ageing and building community. Telling Tales seeks to confirm the role of the arts in maximising the quality of life, participation and social recognition for older people from diverse backgrounds and their communities. For the community, Telling Tales will seek to: foster a resilient, safe and inclusive community; provide an opportunity for individuals to participate and express themselves creatively within a community context; enrich local community activity; increase greater knowledge around actively ageing.