A popular play about an unpopular topic: old age
Why is a play about an unpopular topic (old age) turning out to be so popular? At first I was puzzled about the success of my new play, The Secret Lives of Extremely Old People. After a week, it virtually booked out.
That seemed odd.
Yes, it’s a wonderful play and production
Sure, the script is enthralling, firmly based in reality and using the actual words of people over 90. Sure, Sure, it’s a terrific production.
Even so, it’s not the type of play that you’d expect to be popular, is it? I think of the script as simple and essentially innocent. A story-telling script. It’s not a fall-off-your-chair comedy, not a pantomime or a classic. It won’t be mentioned in the same breath as King Lear or Waiting for Godot.
One simple idea appealed without evidence
But here’s the strange thing: tickets were selling like crazy even before the play opened, before word of mouth and reviews could do their magic and start attracting audiences. We had a popular play on our hands — about an unpopular topic.
Titles that literally state the subject of a work are unusual in fiction and theatre. This play deals what it says on the tin: The Secret Lives of Extremely Old People. Audiences know what they’re in for: five characters in their 90s tell us about their lives, past and present. They talk about some things that are more often kept private. You, the audience, get insights and start to think about aging from your own perspective, in your own life.
A friend said that what he hoped to gain from seeing the play was “some idea of what lies ahead for me.”
While you’ll hear some tragic stories, you’ll probably emerge from the theatre feeling both more hopeful and more realistic about your future life. Anyway, that’s what audience members tell me.
A topic for our times: aging into our 90s
Ten years ago most people might have scuttled away in horror from a play called The Secret Lives of Extremely Old People. But now you’re ready. I think this explains the phenomenon of unexpected popularity.
- You know that people are living longer, worldwide.
- You realise that means you yourself might live well into your 80s or 90s.
- So you are ready to take a closer look at very old people.
As Annie Ruth, one of the actors, says: “Where you are, I have been. And where I am now, you are coming.”
Theatre Against Ageism and the Secret Lives of Extremely Old People
Fantastic to hear Rachel! Congratulations- the joy and miracle of having an idea turned into reality and to be well received? There is nothing like it. May each performance outdo the last and keep on giving- mayhap it will become a classic in its own genre. Copyright the script if you haven’t already and who knows where it will go? Demographics are in your favor around the world. Imagine hearing it in Japanese? You deserve the best after sharpening your gifts for what has evolved into this play. Make sure you leave lots of time to bask and rest when the final curtain goes up.
Thanks Judi. Signs are that the script will have a life of its own. Basking
? I will try.
“Author! Author! Rachel!”
For all the (unexpected?) success of the topic of your play – which seems baffling to yourself – I think you’re forgetting another aspect contributing to the production’s success. That being – the (he)artistry of it’s creation by you, the “author”! Brava! It’s obviously a ***good*** show!
This is what the arts does best: enlighten, entertain, express and address ideas/topics that otherwise would not be considered in other contexts. You and your special troupe of players, backstagers and sponsors should all take a bow for your talent as creatives – the positive reception of the topic of the play is truly the icing on the cake!
Thank you, Rachel, from this 69 year old actively working musician from across many oceans!
ps-yes, I agree with judibwriting, copyright this for international distribution – your work is worth protecting!
You know the story, clearly. And you have put your finger on a logical explanation: the work is doing exactly w hat the arts have always done. Thanks for putting this in context. (Don’t worry about copyright : my agent Playmarket takes care of that,)
Hearty congratulations, Rachel. It will still be performed when we get there
That’s such a good thought.
How wonderful Rachel. Marvelous to hear of the success of the play.
Thanks, Sadje. Its moment has come.
Great news! Once the reviews are out you may find you have to organise a tour. Are you ready for this?
No! But maybe your local theatre will produce it and you will be the start. Oh no, this play has five stars and no spear -carriers.
And there I was looking forward to wearing my tutu!
I’m thrilled at your early success. Fantastic!
Thank you, Anne!
Wonderful, Rachel. I’m happy for your success and the topic is poignant, even for us young’uns in our late 70s.
That is the thing, isn’t it? The topic matters personally.
👍
Wonderful Rachel. Well done.
Maybe you’ll get there, Judith?
Love the illustrations. So happy for your success, Rachel, the play sounds incredible!
Thanks. It seems to have hit the spot.
Congratulations Rachel. It is heartening that people are interested in the topic of old age. I have hear people say that old age is a curse. That is sad. Maybe bad health makes them feel so. Good health plays a very important role in our lives. We have to do our best but some things are not in our hands. Thank you.
Doing my best is something I promised as a Brownie, aged about 8, and I hope to do it forever — more we cannot do 🙂