'The Stranger in My Clothes' Community Drama Project by Jenny Ayres

We at Home Instead North Herts are thrilled to endorse ‘The Stranger in My Clothes’ community drama project by Jenny Ayres at our Dementia Friendly Community Cafe in June 2024. This innovative initiative, which invited some of our dementia clients to attend a workshop, has shown tremendous potential in enhancing the lives of those living with dementia through the medium of drama and theatre.

Why Now?

Our participation in this project stems from a deep understanding of the needs and challenges faced by individuals with dementia. Traditionally, arts venues offer ‘relaxed performances’ by making adjustments after the creation of the work. However, these adjustments often fall short of making people living with dementia feel fully welcome and safe.

Teela Hughes, CEO of Music24 (ACE NPO), encapsulates the essence of this need perfectly: “Over the years, I have watched many arts-based projects emerge & develop which is fantastic. I’m yet to see any projects focused on using drama/theatre in this way & feel there is definitely a real need. The various artistic mediums currently on offer focus on arts/crafts, dance & music. A theatre project like this could hold a space for identity & feelings to be explored in a way that other mediums can’t.”

Jenny Ayres, with her 20 years of experience as an award-winning Director, Writer, Workshop Leader, Performer, and Producer, brings a wealth of knowledge and creativity to this project. Her previous successes, especially in using drama and non-verbal performance techniques with children with SLCN, inspire confidence that similar techniques can unlock potential enjoyment and creativity in those living with dementia. This project provides a multi-sensory staging technique that brings memories of a bygone time to life, fostering verbal and non-verbal communication that was previously unexplored.

Why Herts?

Despite the variety of dementia-friendly support and arts-based groups offering classes in art, craft, music, and dance across Hertfordshire, there is a noticeable gap in inclusive drama and theatre. This lack of provision often results in people living with dementia feeling excluded from creative, fun group experiences that allow them to explore their personal stories and memories. This exclusion can lead to increased feelings of isolation and depression.

‘The Stranger in My Clothes’ addresses this gap by providing a space where individuals with dementia can engage in shared creative experiences. The project promotes inclusion in the world of theatre, allowing participants to co-create with experienced arts professionals. This approach not only honors their stories and lived experiences but also invites audience interaction and physical contributions in a person-centered manner, ensuring wide participation and enjoyment.

Jenny is supported/ funded by the Hertfordshire Community Foundation and Trestle Theatre Company