In seven striking scenes Ya-Ling Peng conveys the drama of the Taiwanese people caught up in the conflicts of larger nations, of families torn apart and coping with uncertainty about the safety of their loved ones. This talented company of young and old players share key moments of their history through image, music and movement in this sensitive portrayal of a painful past. IF I HAD A WISH Reminiscence Theatre from Vienna, direceted by Michaela Schwind. Seven women are meeting in the loft of a typical old Viennese apartment house, sorting through old things. The objects they find, the sounds they hear, smells, songs, words, all trigger memories.
Present reality is blurred, the past comes sharply into focus as if by magic.
Then the war years with flight and bombing raids, but also the end of the war with reconstruction and hope. And then there are always those things the women wished for, but did not always find. As they get older, they look back, confront the past, and plan for the future. Workshop Programme Workshops offer an ideal opportunity to share histories and to find common ground. The festival will include a series of practical workshops given by arts practitioners, experienced in developing the expressive arts skills of older people.