Diversitat works backstage on its theatre project

Diversitat is seeking volunteers and participants for its new theatre project aimed at senior members of Geelong’s Indigenous, LGBTI+ and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.

The Diversity Theatre Project, run by Diversitat Aged Support, looks to promote health and wellbeing through performing arts.

The project – to be showcased at Costa Hall on June 12 and 13 – is seeking members of LGBTI+ or CALD communities over the age of 65 and Indigenous people over the age of 50.

Diversitat Aged Support general manager Robyn Martinez said she hoped people would use the program as a means to tell a story about their lives or people they know.

“This project is an opportunity for participants to increase their wellbeing and social support options and make a beautiful piece of theatre about something they care about, and a story they want to tell,” she said.

“We are really looking for older people to tell their stories and be involved in a fun, exciting activity.

“There will also be opportunities for participants who don’t want to be on stage – (they) will still play an important role in helping us to shape a show.”

Director Peter Jukes said the style and content of the show would be shaped by the participants.

He also said the cast would have the opportunity to work in a “world class” theatre environment.

“My role is to co-ordinate the creation of the piece of theatre that we come up with at the end.

“There’s nothing set in concrete yet – the show will be created by the people who participate in the process.”

Diversitat said volunteers (over 18) with a passion for theatre were also needed to ensure the production was a success.

For more information on how to get involved, head to diversitat.org.au.