Climate change refugees go north in u3a’s ruby anniversary play.
Can you imagine a Scotland made to shelter all the millions forced to move north by climate change? This dramatic premise drives the storyline in a new play ‘(There Are) No Strangers Here.’ Developed from ideas submitted by u3a members throughout Scotland, this novel production showcases in Edinburgh. It explores what happens as two refugees are billeted with a retired couple in a small Scottish town. Led by producer, playwright and Edinburgh u3a chair, Richard Peoples, the drama is part of the 40th anniversary celebrations by this local, UK and international mutual learning movement.
As the author of more than 30 stage plays, alongside his acting and directing skills, Richard Peoples has enjoyed developing and producing this new u3a venture. He commented: “It’s been a joy working with three other experienced playwrights to create this play. We’re all members of Citadel Arts, an Edinburgh-based writers group who have produced many shows for and about older people.
“We found it interesting to look at the mindsets many of us have and how these are exposed during a crisis. Will we respond to a humanitarian catastrophe, or only if we have no choice in the matter? The characters in our play must wrestle with different customs and philosophies. Nothing will ever be the same again. Is it possible for them to find new purpose and new friendships?”
The play is directed by Edinburgh-based actor, director and writer Mark Kydd, with original music composed and performed by Laure Paterson. All the play’s authors have said: “We would like to use this play as a learning tool to stimulate discussion about positive futures for older people.’ These writers also include playwright and novelist Hilary Speirs, Laure Paterson and Susan Chaney.
Richard Peoples has also taken part in the ‘Reimagining The Future In Older Age’ project, run by Stirling University, which provided the impetus for the new play. A video version of the play will soon be available to all UK u3as.
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