‘Still Life Dreaming’ - a new play premieres at the Edinburgh Fringe
10 August 2011
In 1947, almost every Scottish schoolchild born in 1936 sat an intelligence test as part of the Scottish Mental Survey. Between 2004 and 2007, 1091 of them re-sat the test and became known as the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936. This ongoing research, funded by Age UK, aims to reveal fascinating findings about the deterioration of white matter - nerve fibres in the brain - and its significance in the ageing process.
'Still Life Dreaming' is inspired by the human stories behind the data of the Lothian Birth Cohort Study into cognitive ageing. Written by 'Eastenders' script writer Pete Lawson, the play has been developed by Spare Tyre, working closely with original members of the cohort and scientists at Edinburgh University.
The Spare Tyre cast of four older performers will each play several characters. In line with Spare Tyre's mission to make work that is as accessible as possible, the piece will be multi-art and interactive in form and will use projection, lighting, sound and smell to create a multi-sensory experience for the audience.
Director Arti Prashar said: "This is an epic story about chance connections, between one study and another, and between individuals, be they subjects or scientists. It has been a huge privilege to work with Professor Ian Deary and his team at Edinburgh University, and has made me realize how science and art behave in similar ways. We all move from an initial idea, to taking risks and developing ideas in creative ways."
Clare Matterson, Director of Medical Humanities and Engagement at the Wellcome Trust, said: "The Wellcome Trust believes that the arts are a great way to engage the public in questions about science, and Spare Tyre's 'Still Life Dreaming' brings to life the biomedical science research that the Trust supports to bring about improvements in health and wellbeing. The story of the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 and its members, who are now part of this new research study into cognitive ageing, has special resonance for us in the year of our 75th anniversary."
Frederick Lowe, a member of the original cohort, said: "When I sat the test in 1947, I never imagined I'd be here again now, part of another study and also part of a play. It's great to meet up with people from back then, and to feel part of something much bigger."
Still Life Dreaming
Monday 15-Friday 19 August
Pleasance Forth, Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Tickets from the
Pleasance Box Office (0131 556 6550)
Tuesday's performance is followed by a Q&A with director Arti Prashar, writer Pete Lawson, the cast of 'Still Life Dreaming', cohort member Frederick Lowrie and Professor Ian Deary, who leads the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 study at the University of Edinburgh.
Image: Members of the cast of ‘Still Life Dreaming’. Credit: Patrick Baldwin, 2011.
