The Penelope Project
An Arts-Based Odyssey to Change Elder Care
by Anne Basting, Maureen Towey, and Ellie Rose
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Pub Date May 15 2016 | Archive Date May 15 2016
University of Iowa Press | Humanities and Public Life
Description
At Milwaukee's Luther Manor, a team of artists from the University of Wisconsin's theatre department and Sojourn Theatre Company, university students, staff, residents, and volunteers traded their bingo cards for copies of The Odyssey. They embarked on a two-year project to examine this ancient story from the perspective of the hero who never left home: Penelope, wife of Odysseus. Together, the team staged a play that engaged everyone and transcended the limits not just of old age and disability but also youth, institutional regulations, and disciplinary boundaries.
Inviting readers to see through the eyes of residents, students, artists, staff, family members, and experts in the fields of education, long-term care, and civically engaged arts practice, this book underscores the essential role of the arts and humanities in living richly. Waiting, as Penelope waited, need not be a time of loss and neglect. The Penelope Project boldly dreams of how to make late life a time of growth and learning. If you dream of improving people's lives through creative endeavors, this book provides practical advice.
A Note From the Publisher
Please note that there are 16 color photos and 1 map not included in this version.
Advance Praise
“Committed to the best practices of humane long-term care, of socially committed, artistic, collectively devised performance, and the benefits of narrative to represent the marginalized, the stories, strategies, and testimonies shared in this magnificent book inspire theatre-makers, students, audiences, and populations of aging people and caretakers to harness theatre’s transformative power.”—Jill Dolan, Princeton University
“The Penelope Project is an immensely illuminating story of the impact of community based arts on the transformation of a long-term care institution’s systems and culture. This book offers detailed description of what it takes to make cross-sector work work inside a highly regulated setting. The Penelope Project’s greatest contribution may be in sharing the rigorous assessment of the project’s effects. The book is a lively, engaging, and poignant recounting told through the hearts, minds, and senses of the project’s large ‘cast’ of artists, Luther Manor leaders and residents, students, and visitors.”—Pam Korza, Americans for the Arts
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781609384135 |
| PRICE | $24.95 (USD) |
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Average rating from 4 members
Featured Reviews
Caitie C, Bookseller
Nicely done......@ cowgirl caities blogspot Also facebook, twitter, pinterest and goodreads
Susan D, Reviewer
As one who worked in home care for some 30 years, also did consulting as an OT in nursing home settings in the past, the idea of this project appealed enormously. I've also visited friends and family members there and worked with people who live in assisted living (after all it is the home). So I have familiarity with all of these levels of living...and what they often need to make them more fully alive for their residents.
The Penelope Project presents a new approach to interaction with the aging using a very vibrant arts model; it combines theater, dance, poetry, movement, music, painting, weaving, all under the classic myth of Penelope waiting for Odysseus' return. And it was all performed throughout a multi-level residential facility, Luther Manor, (independent living to skilled nursing) by actors, college theater and gerontology students, clinical and support staff, all levels of residents, family members and some visitors.
For all residents, essentials of everyday were already taken care of prior to this study, but concern was for emotional, cognitive and social functioning. This study provides both emotional testimony and measured results and offers some hope for the future of caregiving---and receiving (especially as I get older). The details of coordinating this project would be so helpful for any organization or groups who might decide to try a similar program. The essential component seems to be inclusion and acceptance. The good news at the end of this reading is seeing the multiple positive outcomes., for individuals, groups, and hopefully for society.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
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