“The Secret Lives of Extremely Old People” — a stage play

Let me tell you about our new play, which is causing quite a lot of excitement even months before it goes on stage. Title: The Secret Lives of Extremely Old People. By me, Rachel McAlpine, with tremendous inspiration and support from at least 30 people so far.

Bare bones outline of “Secret Lives of Extremely Old People”

Have you ever said (or thought), “I’d rather die than be that old” ? Enter the world of some contemporary nonagenarians and find out why they are glad to be alive. That’s what The Secret Lives of Extremely Old People is about.

I was shocked to the core when my GP predicted I would live to 99. Like most people, I had opinions about very old age but no experience. So I interviewed a bunch of local nonagenarians. Their revelations broke all the stereotypes.

The Secret Lives of Extremely Old People erupted from those conversations. All these elders have their own agenda. They riff, they rant, they rebel, they remember. Tragedy hovers in the background and death is drawing close. So why do they keep saying they are lucky? Deeper than data about old age, their stories are startling, exhilarating, and moving.

Highly entertaining, Secret Lives tells some amazing stories about real New Zealanders who have survived the Great Depression, two world wars, poverty, the shaming of LGBTQ+ and solo mothers, and Aotearoa before the Māori renaissance. They don’t pretend that thriving in old age is universal but show that for many of us, it’s possible. One of their secrets is that advanced old age holds as many joys for them as troubles. Who knew?

In the audience, you’ll have an experience that is fun — and far from superficial. Because very old age is not just for other people: ultimately, one day, with luck, this could be you. You’ll leave the theatre with a handful of role models who are uniquely themselves, even eccentric, but all alike in feeling lucky.

A few facts about Secret Lives of Extremely Old People

• Based on interviews with 12 local people in their 90s, opinions about old age from 50 younger people, and quotes from a 100-year-old blogger
• Of special interest to everyone concerned with growing old
• A stellar production team and a sparkling script
• Endorsed by Circa, Playmarket, Age Concern NZ and Dementia NZ
• Chimes with New Zealand’s Healthy Ageing Strategy.

A script for your own theatre group

I’ve seen three productions so far. They’ve all been completely different, they’ve all worked well, and they’ve all had sell-out seasons. Each director has had a unique interpretation of the play, and each cast has moved audiences to tears and laughter. The very simplest set was 5 white stools and a white curtain. The most elaborate sketched in five domestic settings with minimal furniture.

• The Secret Lives of Extremely Old People is a topical play that grows more relevant every year.
• It’s ideal for small to medium theatres and local audiences.
• It gives a director free rein without being scary.
• It has five characters that are a joy to play.
• Every production so far has sold out.

Get the script from Playmarket!

• Much more here about Theatre Against Ageism and the 90 Plus Group responsible for this production in Wellington

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