There’s little more comforting than the thought of home, but one group of senior actors are putting a new twist on exactly how comforting that idea can be.
The Monterey Senior Players will be performing their version of where the heart is with their new member-written, created and acted play: Home, Sweet Home.
The play, which was crafted by player Greg Finnegan, centres around a woman seeking the perfect care residence for her mother. Despite stumbling into one care home that would “simply not be good enough for Mumsie,” the residents of the building make it their mission to change everyone’s minds.
“It’s a real clever piece of work, and it shows off the strong prejudices that so many people deal with,” says Frank McGilly, a member of the theatrical group.
With eight players acting out the various characters, the show promises to surprise at the various care homes where the group will perform. Yet all audience members are welcome to attend the public performance at the Monterey Centre on Oct. 6.
“We’re really just a group of people who have done this kind of thing before in our lives, or some of us have always wanted to,” McGilly says. “We always encourage those who are a little shy about getting up on stage to come out too, as we always need tech people on lights and set.”
The 17-member group has been acting out for 20 years, and is an eclectic collaboration of 55 to 90 year olds.
Putting on plays isn’t the only thing the Players do, however. The group hosts lectures, readings and even field trips to art facilities. While the crew has often partaken in the B.C. Senior Games in years past, this year the players will enter the Vancouver Island One-Act Plays competition with Home, Sweet Home.
“The story (of Home, Sweet Home) really focuses on what it takes for the residents to change people’s perspectives,” says McGilly.
In a way, he says, that’s exactly what the theatrical group achieves.
To learn more about the Monterey Senior Players, visit the group’s weekly meeting at the Monterey Recreation Centre (1442 Monterey Ave.), Fridays at 10 a.m., or call 250-370-7300. See the play Oct. 6, 2 p.m. at the centre. Tickets $12 members/$14 general, available at the centre.