| Nature has been our faithful companion in lockdown. In parks, pastures, allotments and gardens, it has helped us through the tough times. Now, a new botanical paradise is growing in the heart of the city as the Quarry Theatre is transformed into a haven where a company of older artists share their personal stories, visions and dreams of times past, present and future through performance, dance, music, film and photography.
Director Alan Lyddiard said: “Life is a beautiful thing made up of beautiful moments. Sometimes by sharing the seemingly insignificant moments they become meaningful; moments we can all recognise. Audiences will recognise and empathise with the performers’ issues, concerns, aspirations and ideas no matter how old they are. “The older you get, the more contribution you can make to society. You are an asset. But this production is not about looking back. It’s not about reminiscing or peering through rose-coloured glasses to ‘the good old days’. This is art with the experience of age. We’ve lived a long time and have a library of things we have done, emotions we’ve experienced and stories we’d like to share. “It’s about how we are living now. What it’s like to be 78 or 85 or 92 and living in Leeds today. What it’s like to be alone. What it’s like to lose someone. What it’s like to have achieved incredible things without realising it or gaining the plaudits you might richly deserve. “One of our members is a rocket scientist, another a probation officer. Some are Jewish, some are from the Caribbean, some from Hong Kong, some from mainland China. We have a whole range of people coming together to share their lives and their creativity. We are all creative and if you join with us, if you’re part of this movement, life is going to get better.” This work has been created by The Performance Ensemble in partnership with Leeds Playhouse, Leeds Older People’s Forum and Leeds 2023. THE PROMISE OF A GARDEN 18–21 August, Quarry Theatre, Leeds Playhouse 20 August, Live Stream via Playhouse: At Home Book online at leedsplayhouse.org.uk Call the box office on 0113 213 7700
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