“In Their Own Words”A Gippsland community theatre project of carers stories told in spoken word and song

Julie Statkus(Latrobe Community Health Service)

& Karen Price

(Alzheimer’s Australia Vic)

Resource KitResource Kit

For Carers, Health and Aged Care Workers, Families and General Public–Local communities–Gippsland–Victoria–Australia–Worldwide

The PerformancesThe PerformancesTraces the journey from

“Something not quite right”to

“Making hard decisions”

Outline of PresentationOutline of Presentation

• What we hoped to achieve• The process• The evaluation

Aims of the ProjectAims of the Project

Using Drama as a vehicle…

• Tell Carers’ stories• Celebration of Carers

Strengths• Honouring the work

Carers do

Other AimsOther Aims

• Carers – see their own stories with new eyes• Carers –feel less alone• General Community – gain emotional and

intellectual insights• Carers - encouraged to think creatively

about the concept of respite• Smaller communities – will be inspired to

stage their own performance using the Resource Kit

Early DaysEarly Days

• Steering Committee formed• Identifying Carers to

participate• Interviewing &

transcribing• Seeking funding• Employing a Director

& Music Facilitator

Early Days contEarly Days cont……..

• Funding was sought: at first no luck!• Funding obtained: at last!

- Latrobe Community Health Service Inc- Andrews Foundation- Alzheimer’s Australia Vic

MusicMusic• Song Writing Workshops• 12 original songs written• CD production

Frank & Frank & VinnieVinnie: : Their storyTheir story……

Frank & Frank & VinnieVinnie: : Their storyTheir story……

Frank & Frank & VinnieVinnie: : Their storyTheir story……

Frank & Frank & VinnieVinnie: : Their storyTheir story……

Frank & Frank & VinnieVinnie: : Their storyTheir story……

The ScriptThe Script

• Engaged a Director • Development of the Script• Carers reviewed their own transcripts• Editing of transcripts as requested by

Carers• Carer had option to withdraw from the

project at any time

And itAnd it’’s on with the Shows on with the Show……

• Auditions• Rehearsals

• Sell-Out Performances• Audience Evaluation

And itAnd it’’s on with the Shows on with the Show……

And itAnd it’’s on with the Shows on with the Show……

And itAnd it’’s on with the Shows on with the Show……

And itAnd it’’s on with the Shows on with the Show……

And itAnd it’’s on with the Shows on with the Show……

And itAnd it’’s on with the Shows on with the Show……

Evaluation & Impact: Evaluation & Impact: AudienceAudience– “We loved the insights/experiences

carers shared with us”– “It pulled no punches. It didn’t try to

soften or romanticise the stories”– “Honesty and respect shown in the story

telling”– “Realising I was not alone and others

were having to cope with similar problems”

– “We all have different experiences but share a similar journey…. I feel such a bond with these people”

Evaluation & Impact: Evaluation & Impact: Participating CarersParticipating Carers– Friendships were formed between the

participating carers and the actors portraying them.

– Families of participating carers gained new insights: Relationships with their relative with dementia improved.

Evaluation & Impact: Cast & DirectorEvaluation & Impact: Cast & Director

• Actors– Became involved at an emotional level

with Carers.– Gained an understanding of the impact of

dementia on families and the person with dementia.

• Director– Gained an understanding of what caring is

“An imperfect act of grace”.– Honoured Carers in every aspect of the

production.

Evaluation & Impact: MusiciansEvaluation & Impact: Musicians

– The songs say it all!

- Street Stories – Radio NationalComplete segment of Street Stories on “In Their Own Words”.

- Inclusion of songs in Cert 3 dementia training as a learning tool

- Resource Kit sent to Ireland to be used to stage performances

Evaluation & Impact:Evaluation & Impact:Unexpected OutcomesUnexpected Outcomes

Evaluation & Impact: On UsEvaluation & Impact: On Us

– Co-operative partnerships with all involved.

– Overwhelmed by the Carers who generously and honestly shared their stories with us.

– Relieved that “In Their Own Words”exceeded all expectations.

Resource KitResource Kit

• Script for actors• Directors notes• Background information• CDs of the music• CD of Radio National

Street Stories• CD of power point slides

Resource Kit: Where To Get ItResource Kit: Where To Get It

• Alzheimer’s Australia Vic.• Visit website at

www.alzheimers.org.au• Email: alz@alzvic.asn.au

• Kit at cost price - $50• Music CD only - $10

AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements

• Latrobe Community Health Service Inc, Alzheimer’s Australia Vic and the Andrews Foundation for generously funding this project

• “The Current” Newspaper• The Department of Veterans Affairs • Malcolm Brodie for his poetry• All members of the Gippsland Dementia

Reference Group for their encouragement and support.

Special ThanksSpecial Thanks

Pat & Mary“Charlie & Peter”

Helen & BarryRobert & Elaine

“Richard & Patty”Frank & Vinnie

Enid & Kel

In memory of

“Peter”Barry

Pat Kel

& Elaine

Thank you!Thank you!