Programme: Louth
WHO Theme: Respect and Social Inclusion, Social Participation
Funding Stream: Local AF Programme Funding, Creative Ireland - €11,000
Resources Required: Community Support, Financial, Paid Staff, Premises, Services
Cost: 10000+
Status: Completed
Description
The 2024 Drama Ageism Awareness Workshops at An Táin Arts Centre in Dundalk, Co Louth represented an innovative Age Friendly Louth project designed specifically for older adults. Delivered in partnership with An Táin and supported by Creative Ireland, the initiative aimed to raise awareness of ageism through participatory drama.
Facilitated by Paul Hayes, a professional theatre artist based at An Táin, the programme engaged a cohort of older individuals from across County Louth in a series of structured workshops. These sessions provided a safe, supportive space for participants to reflect on personal experiences of ageism and to creatively explore these themes through performance.
Over the course of several weeks, participants used drama exercises, improvisation and guided script development to express the subtle and overt ways that age discrimination has impacted their lives. They explored themes such as ageist language, invisibility in the media, loss of autonomy and challenges in accessing services. These stories were then developed into short dramatic sketches.
The final performance was staged at An Táin Arts Centre and attended by community members, local representatives, health and social care providers and advocates for older people. Audience feedback underscored the emotional impact and authenticity of the performances. Many commented on how the project gave a clear and powerful voice to issues that are often overlooked.
The production of two films at the end of the project has resulted in reframing the conversation around growing old in Co Louth. The films are powerful and moving examples of promoting positive ageing in Co Louth.
The initiative gave older adults an opportunity to reclaim their narratives, develop new creative skills and connect with others through shared experience. It also offered a model for how arts-based approaches can be used to raise awareness, challenge stigma and foster a more age-inclusive culture.
This project aligns closely with the goals of the Age Friendly Strategy and the vision of Creative Ireland to support creativity as a central component of wellbeing. It successfully demonstrated the potential for community-based arts to drive social change and give older people the recognition, respect and visibility they deserve.
Aim of Initiative
The primary aim of the Drama Ageism Awareness Workshops was to provide older adults with a platform to express their experiences of ageism and to raise community awareness of the issue through creative performance.
By empowering participants to explore sensitive personal topics in a structured and artistic environment, the initiative aimed to foster confidence, encourage open dialogue and drive a cultural shift toward greater respect for older people.
The project also sought to enhance wellbeing among participants through creativity, collaboration, and validation of their lived experiences.
Who is it aimed at
The initiative was exclusively aimed at older people, particularly those with lived experience of ageism or marginalisation.
It was designed to offer participants a chance to engage in meaningful creative activity, share personal stories and develop performance pieces that would educate and resonate with the wider community.
The broader audience for the final showcase included local decision-makers, service providers and members of the public, all of whom were invited to listen, reflect and act on the messages shared.
3 Steps critical to success
- Participant Recruitment and Engagement
Identify and invite older individuals through local Age Friendly networks and community groups. Provide clear communication and reassurance around the purpose and process of the workshops. - Creative Development and Support
Facilitate structured drama workshops led by Paul Hayes. Use storytelling and role-play techniques to create confidence, to help participants explore themes of ageism and transform them into compelling short performances. - Public Showcase and Community Engagement
Host a professionally staged performance at An Táin Arts Centre, followed by audience feedback and discussion. Encourage dialogue and learning among attendees to deepen impact. Longer video to be displayed at the Age Friendly EXPO in October.
3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery
- Overcoming Participants Initial Hesitance
Many older participants were unfamiliar with drama and hesitant about performing, requiring extra encouragement and support. - Managing Emotional Content
Discussions of ageism sometimes surfaced difficult emotions, requiring sensitive facilitation and a supportive environment. - Ensuring a Public Platform with Impact
Securing strong attendance and meaningful engagement from stakeholders required targeted promotion and coordination with local networks.
3 Outcomes / Benefits
- Increased Awareness of Ageism in the Community
The performances highlighted real-life ageism issues, leading to greater community understanding and dialogue. - Empowerment and Confidence Among Older Participants
Participants reported a renewed sense of self-worth and pride in being able to share their stories publicly and creatively. - Strengthening of Age Friendly Values Through the Arts
The initiative showcased the value of older people’s voices and creativity, supporting Age Friendly Louth’s mission through a culturally rich and inclusive approach.