It is two weeks since the launch of Rafal Zajko’s exhibition at be FocalPoint Gallery. We ten Contemporary Elders were sitting in the Gallery along with Raf, Kirsty, our choreographer and Kim, from the FPG, to review the event. Back in October last year I don’t think that any of us had any idea what we were letting ourselves in for when Kim casually remarked, “the artist Rafal Zajko is exhibiting at the FPG next March and you are invited to join him on a project to create a piece of performance art for his exhibition.”
Our first session with the choreographer Florence Peake was a bit of a ‘baptism of fire’ as we worked though our tasks. However, working with Florence was both therapeutic and relaxing and by the end of her session I was reassured. I could do it! Performance Art was going to not only be do-able, it was going to be enjoyable. No need to panic.I went home with my spirits lightened.
The Opening Night was amazing! The culmination of our twelve sessions working with Raf and those brought in to coach us. Florence Peake, Ali James, Harriet Pittard and Kirstie Richardson. Each of them used their expertise to guide us and lead us forward. And as I listened to the responses of the others I realised that I wasn’t the only one who felt that. I was not the only one who’d been nervous either. One of our group said that her knees felt like jelly and for one brief moment she thought she might not be able to take another step. It is wonderful to be part of a group and work with others to a common goal. Something that tends to be lacking in our lives once we are retired. It is also most satisfying to achieve that goal, obtaining positive feedback from the audience.
With hindsight, members of the group reflected on aspects of our perfomance that we could have developed further. Gwen’s denim robe was much admired and some of us would love to have been led by her to stitch our own outfit. Another comment referred to make-up and how nice it would have been to work as a group to do our make-up and hair on the night.
There is a big gap in our lives now. No more rehearsals. Ah! Raf is not finished yet. We shall be meeting again in a couple of weeks. . .
Meanwhile members were asked what they’d been doing post-perfomance. Well, I took Ali James’ “Joyful Improv for Seniors” six week course. Something completely out of my comfort zone, challenging and fun. Each of the others outlined their pursuits and how they are progressing. So much potential just waiting to be harnessed. And, in the meantime there are the monthly Contemporary Elders meetings at FPG.

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