Silver Kite’s “Umbrella” engages community audiences through intergenerational performance

Silver Kite performance

When do you feel safe and sheltered? When is your umbrella open, or closed? Have you ever been caught without an umbrella? Silver Kite's Intergenerational Theatre Company explores these questions through an original storytelling performance created from the cast's life stories.

Silver Kite Community Arts launched a King County tour of its original intergenerational theatre production of “Umbrella” on November 12, 2016. The production will tour to area retirement communities, community centers, senior centers, non-profit organizations, and schools from November 12 until January 31, 2017.

“Umbrella” will also be performed for the public at the Seattle Center Armory on January 20 & 21, 2016 at 7:30pm. Tickets for the public performances of "Umbrella" are available on Brown Paper Tickets.

Based on the life stories of its five intergenerational cast members, ages 17 to 80, “Umbrella” explores how a common object can reflect memories and inspire connections across generations.

The performance includes personal story monologues, original scenes, music, and dance, all designed to spark the memories of audience members. Following the 50 minute performance, the audience is engaged in a conversation with the actors, inviting them to share their personal stories related to the themes and stories shared during the performance.

To create the show, the cast began by sharing and recording stories, finding connections with one another. They then collectively sifted through the stories and collaborated to turn them into scenes, movement and music pieces.

Silver Kite believes sharing life stories can help break down age-related stereotypes and build stronger communities.

Cast member Xanne Sarka, 48, agrees: “No matter the age, there is always something one can gain from hearing each other’s life stories. Participating in Silver Kite’s Intergenerational Theatre Company has raised my awareness of the healing power that is embedded in the act of both sharing and hearing each other’s stories.”

“Umbrella” is the fourth performance created by Silver Kite’s Intergenerational Theatre Company. Each production uses a different cast of actors, with each person in the cast in a different decade of life from the others. Prior Silver Kite Intergenerational Theatre Company performances of “A String,” “Wheel,” and “Chairs” were enjoyed by over 1,300 audience members throughout the region.

Silver Kite is currently booking tour performances of “Umbrella” for the months of December and January. The performance is fifty minutes long with a post play discussion with the audience. Email Zoe Wilson, Intergenerational Theatre Company Manager, to book a tour.

For more information call 206-291- 0886.