How Beautiful We Are

"How Beautiful We Are" (2006-2007)
The 20 minute presentation expresses the vitality and challenges of late life. It consists of three independent scenes: a meeting, a bus ride, and a home visit, ending with a poem, "How Beautiful We Are" written by one of the actors. The play was developed from stories told from the seniors' own lives.

THE COMPANY

HANNELORE BECKER
My name is Hannelore Becker, but everyone calls me Lore.  Born in Germany, I came to America in 1966.  In 1968 I came on a two week vacation to New Orleans and never left.  I love the Uptown Shepherd's Center and this is my first time in a Drama group.  I belong to the Carrollton United Methodist Church and sing in the choir which I enjoy.  I lived and worked in the Carrollton area until my retirement.  I am 68 years old but not too old to try new things.

ELIZABETH DUMAS
I’m 84 years old and live in Carrollton.  I have 2 daughters.  I like coming to the Uptown Shepherd’s Center every day and enjoy my drama and sewing class.  I’m learning how to sew on a machine for the first time.  I really enjoy helping people, especially old people – even though I am an older person myself.

INGE ELSAS
I am a child of the world having lived, learned, and worked all over Europe, Brazil, Argentina, North Africa, and Egypt.  As a retired social worker, registered nurse, and therapist, I have transferred my love for children to love, concern, and protection for the elderly.  Being an aging person myself (90 years old), I try to bring hope and joy to those who have added many years to their life.

NORMA HOLYOKE
I am 72 years old.  I was born in Honduras, Central America.  I came to the New Orleans in 1965 and worked as a secretary in different offices doing typing and shorthand.   I also worked as a Beauty Consultant in Maison Blanche and D.H. Holmes.  Now I enjoy volunteering at the Uptown Shepherd’s Center and taking part in the Drama Group.

DOLORES HUNTER
My name is Dolores, and I’m 76 years young!  I belong to the St. Francis DeSales Church.  I love to sing, so I belong to one of the largest black gospel choirs in the United States, Golden Voices.  I love to sew and do volunteer work, especially at Uptown Shepherd’s Center.

JANELL MICHEL
I’m an almost 80 year old female having the time of my life in a drama class for the first time!  I live with my daughter in Uptown New Orleans.  I like to read, watch television, write poetry, play games and do thing with my daughter.  I used to like to travel by tour bus, but can’t do that much anymore.  The Uptown Shepard’s Center gives me a place to go to be with other seniors.

LODONIA MICHEL
I’m 62 years old.  I love to read, watch TV, and enjoy traveling.  I worked as a medical transcriptionist for 41 years at Charity Hospital.  Since retiring, I enjoy volunteering at the Uptown Shepherd’s Center and going to classes there, especially French and Poetry.  I joined the drama group at the Center and I am enjoying it.

DOROTHY MOELEY
I grew up on a farm in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin.  I lived there for 35 years until my father died in 1970.  I love to read, watch TV, and write.  When I was 55 years old, I moved to New Orleans.  I live here almost 9 years.  I have a sister, 2 nephews, and 2 dogs.  The Golden Heart Players is a lot of fun and it keeps me active.

RUTH STEPHENS
Hello, I’m Ruth.  I live Uptown, and I was born and raised in New Orleans.  I really enjoy being a member of the Golden Heart Players.  I appreciate the fellowship, knowledge, and friendships I have made from participating.  Learning about theatre and drama has helped me in many different ways.  At 94 years old, it’s my first time acting.  I enjoy it.  It’s a lot of fun.