A Decade of Theatre for Seniors: a Journey of Aesthetics and Innovation in Later Life

A Decade of Theatre for Seniors examines the Theatre For Seniors (TFS) programme started by The Necessary Stage in 2009. This program aimed to make theatre practice avaliable and inclusive to older members of the community. Since 2009, TFS reached an estimated 40 seniors, and can boast of at least 10 formal public performances presented by TNS, alongside commissions to perform at local events such as PassionArts and also at eldercare Homes.. This study asserts that in later life, aspects of aesthetics and innovation are relevant and all the more important, as past roles in life recede. Using a person-centered pedagogical framework for artists working with communities, this report analyses and presents how aesthetics and innovation are demonstrated via engagement with TFS activities, through opportunities for personal, social, cognitive growth and cultural representation. Data was collected by means of interviews with participants and artist-facilitators of the program, together with and studies of past recordings of performances by TFS. Through thick description, the study asserts that proactive engagement with theatre does enable growth towards life fulfilment, responsibility to others, flexible and precise thinking in the later years of life. Proactive engagement in the arts therefore provides the Singaporean senior with a path of growth towards collective maturity and health.