Georgia Bowers: 'We need to have more open conversations about ageism'

How did you start off in theatre?

When I was 10, my mum saw an advert in the local newspaper advertising a youth production of Guys and Dolls. I had never done anything in theatre before, and my mum thought it was going to be more like a summer camp. Before I knew it, I was on stage auditioning and, as the director turned to me and said, “You’re in!”, little did I know that this was just the beginning.

Could you briefly describe your work?

As a creative ageing practitioner, my work specialises in creating theatre with older adults. My practice takes place in care homes, hospitals, day centres and sheltered housing units and seeks to use theatre as a tool to challenge age-related stereotypes, combat ageism and share the stories/themes/issues that matter to older people. 

What would you change about the industry?

Greater representation of older adults across all areas of the industry, both on and off stage.

What training do you think is required for creative ageing practitioners?

I think it is really important for practitioners to be provided training that encourages them to consider and become consciously aware of their own relationship to ageing and their understanding of what it means to be ‘older’. I strongly believe that we need to have more open and honest conversations about ageism, the different ways it manifests and how this can seep into our own practice. 

Which arts practitioners do you admire most and why?

Within the field of creative ageing, I’d say Nicola Abraham, Arti Prashar, Sue Mayo and David Slater – all of whom aren’t afraid to defy the status quo, take risks and push creative ageing to new heights. 

What is the one skill every successful theatre professional should have?

Deep listening – listen to really hear a person and not to just simply reply.

Georgia Bowers is programme leader, BA (hons) Applied and Contemporary Theatre at Guildford School of Acting