Imagine an opportunity to play as adults, to abandon reality, to be a little silly and take on some surprising challenges. Each week groups of over 65s are taking up the challenge and enjoying improvising and theatre games, and forging new friendships.

Social Drama for Seniors has returned to the Upper Hutt. Ten years ago a similar group called Unscripted ran a weekly session at the Upper Hutt Library, founded from a council community initiative. Meanwhile, Voice Arts began – a charitable trust providing access to drama-based creative programmes delivering social drama classes for seniors across Te Whanganui e Tara for the last 7 years, in community halls and in retirement villages.

After Unscripted finished up in Upper Hutt 5 years ago, many participants joined the Voice Arts sessions, travelling to Naenae’s Rata Village for a weekly session. Social Drama is now running independently with classes in Upper Hutt, Naenae and Petone.

So what happens at Social Drama?

How: Each session is highly imaginative and different. It involves a series of improvisation exercises, story-telling and drama games. But no learning lines, reading from scripts or public performance. We are a supportive group and you participate at your own pace and nothing is compulsory. This is drama for the people!

Who: People over 65 with diverse life experiences, all walks of life, all abilities and with a sense of humour. The size of the group is between 10-20 people.

Sally Richards runs the group. She’s an experienced facilitator, welcoming and wrangles the fun.

Why: This is an innovative programme. It supports cognitive improvement, community connection, memory recall, and self-esteem. Laughter is very good for you. That’s the science.

What people say:

“The social drama classes are an unparalleled opportunity for older folk to come together to rescue their brains, socialize and learn. The classes are confidence boosters and everyone is encouraged and applauded.”

“There is always laughter and jokes, as well as care, courtesy, kindness and empathy. Sally models these behaviours and traits. Social Drama is a powerful contributor to building a strong and positive community.”

The group’s return to Upper Hutt Library is proving popular with new and returning faces. We are causing a little bit of a stir at the library! We hope that people will come along and see if this is for them.

When and Where:

90 minutes sessions (with a cuppa and a biscuit)

• Second & fourth Tuesday 3.30pm Upper Hutt Library (Free)
• Every Tuesday 10am St. Augustine’s Church, Petone ($5 koha)
• First & third Tuesday 1pm Te Mako, Naenae ($5 koha)

During school term time.

For more information contact: sallyjoanrichards@gmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063696829425

We are Supported by Hutt City and Upper Hutt Councils.

A “thank you” to Sally for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

01/04/25