“When I was young, I was told not to dance because it led to further evils. Now I’m 90, I’m past all the further evils, so now I can I dance!” Kevin Mischke
If Only I Could… spotlights an alliance between a group of elderly aged care residents and professional contemporary dance artists in a collaboration between Lutheran Services, QPAC and director Angela Chaplin.
These amazing elders take to the stage with grace and courage, a great sense of adventure, and a greater sense of humour to share a whimsical, magical, heartfelt performance that will have you smiling from ear to ear, and maybe shedding a tear. Projected imagery provides a window into big lives and great times, where wheelie walkers will fly and cowboys will round you up.
By forming friendships, sharing stories, making new discoveries, and testing the abilities of their bodies and minds the aged care residents and professional dance artists have made a show quite unlike anything you’ve ever seen.
Humorous, irreverent but chiefly a complex waltz between generations, let this production open your heart and move your spirit.
Lutheran Services delivers aged care and community services across Queensland.
Our creative programs such as If Only I Could… demonstrate that artistic freedom knows no age. Creative programs are key to building vibrant, well-connected communities for our services. We hope you enjoy.
Angela Chaplin is a theatre director, producer, writer and dramaturg, whose works have toured nationally and internationally. She has directed for a range of theatre companies including Company B Belvoir, Sydney Theatre Company, The State Theatre Company of South Australia and Opera Queensland.
The If Only I Could… journey started four years ago as a series of dance workshops led by Angela with Lutheran Services aged care residents. Over the project’s development, what has stood out most is the relationships formed between the cast members – young and old – relationships that are characterised by respect, joy, hard work and a lot of love.
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