College students and senior citizens are more alike than you think. Perhaps that’s why Goucher College senior Eryn London decided to pair Goucher students with residents from Edenwald Retirement Community last year for her independent study in intergenerational theatre.
“Not only do we come together and play theatre games, but we also have written an original show,” London said. “It’s just a lot of fun.”
The play is titled “A Slice of Life,” and deals with growing up and aging.
“It’s really funny, there are a lot of parallels between college dorm life, and life in this community,” said Kelley Dye, Activities Coordinator at Edenwald.
The students and seniors can really relate to the challenges of living in a communal setting, Dye said.
The class consists of six seniors and eight students. This year’s show takes place in a pizzeria and deals with growing up and growing older.
“There are four tables, with different discussions going on at each of the tables. The actors talk about stuff ranging from elementary school memories, sex, marijuana, and dating,” London said.
Dye said that she was really excited when London approached her about the seminar.
“I love getting the college kids in to interactwith the residents,” she said. “The seniors were excited too. They generally like interacting with youths.”
Class participant Helen Engel has been a resident at Edenwald for the last three years ? and is a class of 1951 Goucher alumna.
“I saw the notice on the bulletin board here and thought the class sounded interesting,” she said. “The Goucher students themselves are very easy to get along with.”
London won’t be running the program next year, but she is currently working with other students to try and push for the program next year.
“Both the older adults and the students have made a great commitment. It’s just a wonderful thing,” London said.
IF YOU GO
A Slice of Life
VENUE: Edenwald, 800 Southerly Road, Towson
WHEN: 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2
TICKETS: Free, open to the public
INFO.: 410-339-6000
