Jazanne Arts show Musical Memories had three shows in August, writes Neandra Etienne

two people perform in front of an audience

A banner reading 'Out and about with Neandra'

Jazanne Arts professional interactive show Musical Memories toured care homes and community centres and halls in Newham throughout August.

The show, part funded by the Arts Council England and the City Bridge Foundation, featured their popular characters Esme, from Jamaica played by Jazanne Arts Director Jacqui and Elsie from London, played by Jazanne Arts Director Annie.

Themes explored include schooldays, moving, friendship, bereavement, courting and weddings, migration, work, discrimination and prejudice.

The show used people’s real life experiences taken from conversations that Jazanne Arts had with older people in Newham. Jacqui, from Newham, interviewed local elderly people during Reminiscence Café sessions at Applecart Arts.

Three versions were performed, a show for mixed audiences that included storytelling and dialogue, singing and dancing. Another show was targeted at Caribbean audiences with more Caribbean music and stories. Jazanne also worked with a dementia specialist for the version that targeted people living with advanced dementia.

jazannearts.co.uk

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