Bringing The Generations Together Through Puppetry

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The art of puppetry crosses generational boundaries

The art of puppetry has been described in a recent article by the New York Times as “an ancient art [which] appeals to one of our oldest and deepest desires: to animate things which are inanimate, to give life or belief that there is animation in things which have no life”.  It is also an artform that crosses generational boundaries and cultures and something which can really spark the imagination of all, both young and old. 

Bringing generations together when they couldn't meet in person

During the pandemic, many older people were unable to see friends and family, and a lot of people felt really isolated. As part of our activities programme, Age UK Islington came together with Little Angel Theatre for a joint puppetry project.  This was designed to give older and younger people an opportunity to share an experience together, despite not being able to physically meet.

The journey that the clients went on, what they felt about the experience and snippets of their performances are captured in the short video above. 

The workshops & final performances

Both organisations hosted a series of three workshops, once a week online, for older clients.  During these sessions, they made shadow puppets and scenery to accompany stories that were brought to life in final online performances.  Younger family members were invited to watch. 

Caroline Ada, Workshop Leader, Little Angel Theatre, says in the video, "It was rich in sharing.  Everything we asked, the [participants] gave more!".

Carmen Alcovedes, Age UK Islington Activities Co-ordinator, shares her experience of the project, “It was just wonderful to see how ideas became paper cut-outs and then real characters that took part in a performance.  Our clients and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the workshops and the introduction to the artform.  We are hugely thankful to Little Angel Theatre for partnering with us in this experience.” 

Have a go at making shadow puppets

Little Angel Theatre have shared "instructions" so that even if you were unable to attend the workshop, you can try this at home: Make Your Own Shadow Puppets 

One of the participants reported "I'm delighted I did it!  I'm proud that I did it.  I got as far as that and I've never done that before....I've never had the time and the money.  The fact that it was free was fantastic."

Would you like to take part in a creative activity?

If you’d like to take part in a creative activity with Age UK Islington, there’s plenty to choose from in our regular weekly Get Togethers.  Currently online, we have Art Journaling on Mondays and Painting Appreciation on Tuesdays.  Both are free and run by inspiring and talented Age UK Islington volunteers. 

Further details including how to book are available on our website: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/islington/activities-and-events/get-togethers/   

New members are always welcome and support is available to anyone who needs help to connect via Zoom with free help from our digital volunteers. 

Little Angel Theatre 

Little Angel Theatre is a home for puppetry, which since 1961 has been dedicated to creating and sharing inspiring stories. Puppetry is at the heart of this innovative theatre, from igniting the imaginations of the youngest minds to equipping tomorrow’s puppeteers with the tools they need to succeed. They are internationally renowned, but also they have their roots in Islington, working with community to break down barriers to engagement in the arts. 

Age UK Islington 

We support Islington adults of all ages with anything from small worries or more complicated issues to do with anything from money, to transport to getting out. We provide advice and we carefully connect people to expert agencies and social groups.