When it comes to getting seniors to open up, all they seem to need is a good topic.
And author Marion Bruce, who was the guest
at a storytelling-in-performance workshop in Charlottetown last week, certainly knew how to deliver one.
After all the introductions in the circle of seniors at Geneva Villa were made, Bruce brought up a subject they were all ready to talk about — horses — and, in particular, their experiences with these equine creatures over the years.
Immediately, their faces lit up and the previously quiet room came to life.
“We had two farm horses, Maude and Bill,” said Anna Moreside, who grew up on a farm in Stanley Bridge, recalling how her father depended soley on them to plow, plant and harvest the fields from 1920s to the 1970s.
“He never wanted a tractor. He always used his horses,” said Moreside, who also enjoyed playing with them.
“I especially liked riding horses bareback.”
But, without any stirrups to climb up on, she had to be creative in her mounting technique.
“I’d stand on the edge of the water trough and climb on. Then I’d grab the reins and hold on,” said Moreside, who also drove a horse and buggy.
“Dad also never wanted to buy a car,” she added, with a laugh.
Moreside was one of the residents who spoke during the storytelling in performance class at this Charlottetown seniors home
Harriet Weale was another. Raised on a horse farm in Alberta, she has many happy memories about them.
“I think they’re beautiful animals,” she said quietly.
The class, taught by Charlottetown actress Joscelynne Bourdeaux is part of a 10-week program currently underway at the home.
“Today’s topic was pets. In the next few weeks, we’ll be looking at stories through letter writing and stories through songs. We’ll also tell some stories using mime, costumes and masks,” says Bourdeaux who introduced Bruce and led residents through some physical and vocal warm-up exercises.
Funded by a Learning Elders Arts Program (L.E.A.P.) grant from Robert Henderson and the Department of Tourism and Culture and administered by the P.E.I. Senior Citizens’ Federation, it’s one of 20 projects currently underway around the province.
They range from Ukulele Beginnings, which is being offered at Whisperwood Villa in Charlottetown with musicians Leah Ziegler and Darlene Acorn, to My New Home Painting Project with artist Lynn Gaudet at Maplewood Manor, Alberton, and Ideal Wooden
Creations with artist Tina Davis at Colville Manor, Souris.
The storytelling in performance class will conclude April 3 with a performance at the Charlotte Residence in Charlottetown, starting at 1:30 p.m.
“That day we will present a group story we have written together,” said Bourdeaux.
Seeing the seniors’ faces light up pleases activity director John O’Hanley.
“Storytelling is about reminiscing. It helps seniors get in touch with their past and their stories. Many people grew up in the country and love to hear about past events.
“So this class helps motivate them by bringing the past forward and making it present in their present day lives,” he said.
Now in its third week, Bourdeaux is already noticing positive changes in the participants involved in the program.
“It’s a great to see seniors communicating more easily with each other . . . Even though they all reside in this building, they often live in separate worlds.”
Sharing common stories is the link between those worlds.
“Everybody has a story. And by using a little bit of inspiration we look for ways to draw these stories out. That’s my job as facilitator,” says Bourdeaux.
And after everyone has had a chance to speak, Bruce told her own story.
“We had a sad day last summer when we lost one of our horses, a beautiful sweet, sweet gelding.
“One day he was fine, trotting around the pasture. The next he was (lying) down in incredible pain so we had to call the vet. He had contortion, which means a twisted gut (bowel) and so we had to put him down,” says the author of Remembering Old Dan: Farm Horses and People of Prince Edward Island.
Bruce and her family were overwhelmed by the loss.
“But I don’t think the people on the farm were more devastated than the two mares, Taffy, his grandmother, and Lady. They were grief-stricken. Especially Taffy. She was so angry. Before the gelding’s death, she and the other mare had been pals. But now she would put her heels to her and bite her in the barn. It was just awful,” said the High Bank resident, as seniors listen intently.
This unusual behaviour went on for two weeks until Lady got a bad attack of the heaves and the veterinarian had to be called in.
“While the vet was examining Lady (in the pasture), Taffy showed up and started hovering over her.
“You could almost see her saying, “Oh my goodness, are you OK? Oh, I’m so sorry.’ And from that moment on they were pals again. Now they are always together now,” she said When her presentation was over, Moreside is one of the first to applaud. “I loved hearing Marian talk about her horses ... It reminded me so much of Maude and Bill.”
