Veteran Playwright Kathryn Shaw Explores Life After 105

Playwright and director Kathryn Shaw is taking audiences on a humorous journey through the later stages of life with her new play, Super Seniors, which examines the question, “Is there life after 105?” After spending 35 years as the artistic director of Vancouver’s Studio 58 theatre program at Langara Community College, Shaw now embraces her retirement by collaborating with former students who have become trusted colleagues.

Debuting with Western Gold Theatre last year, Super Seniors is now receiving a staged reading directed by Robert Moloney, another of Shaw’s former students and the artistic director of Peninsula Productions. The reading will take place from September 18 to 21, 2023, at the company’s black box studio theatre located in White Rock’s Centennial Park, featuring performances at 19:00 on September 18 and 19, and at 14:00 on September 20 and 21.

The play focuses on three women residing in the Fairfield Senior’s Residence, all of whom have surpassed the age of 105. Despite addressing serious topics, the production is infused with comedy that resonates with audiences of all ages. “At its core, it’s about friendship – and how friends help each other through life,” said Moloney.

In Super Seniors, Joyce Gillespie plays Elizabeth, a character who grapples with the challenges of longevity. Judy Starre portrays Hildy, a lively spirit eager to celebrate her 110th birthday, while Val Dearden takes on the role of Mildred, who navigates dementia but remains connected through cherished pop songs from her past. Supporting roles include Amanda Wong as Twyla and Reporter, and Michael Keating as Cameron and Server.

Shaw drew inspiration from her own family experiences, having seen her mother and grandmother live beyond 100. “I always had this idea in my head that I’d like to write something that would put my mother, my grandmother, and myself on stage together,” she shared. The character Mildred’s dementia is reflective of her mother’s journey, whereas Hildy’s joyful outlook mirrors her grandmother’s spirit.

Originally conceived as a project during the COVID-19 pandemic, Super Seniors quickly took shape as Shaw connected with the group Angry Actors, with whom she had collaborated in the past. “I said, ‘What do you think – maybe we should do some online writing?’” she recounted. The positive feedback she received motivated her to continue developing the play, ultimately leading to the production with Western Gold Theatre.

Notably, Shaw’s own journey as a playwright came full circle when she found herself stepping into the role of Elizabeth during the rehearsals for the premiere production. “I didn’t write the play with the idea that I would be in it, but when we needed an actor, I thought, ‘Well, I know the part – I’ll do it,’” she recalled. This experience reignited her passion for acting, as she embraced the opportunity to perform alongside her former students.

“It changed a lot for the better,” Shaw noted, highlighting the collaborative process with director Anita Rochon. While some scenes were cut, she trusted Rochon’s insights to enhance the overall production. “What I’ve been really pleased about is that it has appealed to all ages,” she added, referencing the positive reactions from viewers as young as nine.

Moloney first became aware of Super Seniors during a chance meeting with Shaw at the Arts Club Theatre in Vancouver. Intrigued by the script, he requested a copy and found himself both laughing and moved by the material. “It seemed perfect for what we want to do at Peninsula,” he stated. Drawing parallels to his own experiences with aging relatives, he emphasized the importance of humor when confronting life’s challenges.

For those interested in experiencing this exploration of friendship and laughter in the face of life’s trials, tickets for Super Seniors can be purchased through the Peninsula Productions website, showpass.com, or by calling 604-536-8335.