In the News
From the January 12, 2007 issue of The Cape Codder
Bridging the generation gap
By Matthew Belson mbelson@cnc.com
Orleans senior citizens and students from the Cape Cod Lighthouse Charter School are using the medium of art to get to know each other a little better.
"We want to raise the awareness about the issues of aging for all residents of the Cape." - Karen Dowcett
The students and seniors are participating in a collaborative program sponsored by the Yarmouthport-based Big and Small Puppetworks, using the themes from the book "Two Old Women" by Velma Wallis in workshops designed to encourage the interaction of the two groups and demystify aging through the arts."We want to raise the awareness about the issues of aging for all residents of the Cape, " said Karen Dowcett, producing artistic director of Big and Small. "Aging is in the national spotlight."
Dowcett said students from the charter school and local seniors in the coming weeks would design masks and dance movements created in the workshops that will be incorporated in a stage performance in November, based on the book.
The workshop is part of a larger, Cape-wide initiative, One Book, One Cape, that includes a panel discussion on aging discussions scheduled for 2007. Libraries throughout the Cape will spotlight the book "Two Old Women" with discussions.
The production, which is co-produced with Ruth Shapiro, will include members of the community, young and elderly and professional actors.
Orleans Council on Aging director Liz Smith said feedback from seniors attending has been positive.
"I am excited for the education it's providing students, " said Smith. "The program is providing students a broad understanding of aging in a positive way."
For more information about the program, go to www.puppetnature.org.