Preparation for Secret Country began in October. Most of the cast – who are aged between 72 and 93 – had no experience of performing before joining Re-Live’s Company of Elders. They were asked about their experiences this year, memorable pre-pandemic incidents, how they found the initial weeks of lockdown, and what they would like to say to Covid. From their contributions, the show was created.
“The script is not written by someone else. The script is us,” says company member Max Scott-Cook.
“We are speaking from our hearts and minds,” adds Morrow.
Re-Live works with different communities and has created nine productions so far. Associate artist Robyn Herfellow describes the process of creating as “deep listening”, adding that during the pandemic, people have lost the chance to see each other and connect. “That need to share, to be listened to and to share these experiences hasn’t gone away. It has been such a joy in the past couple of months to have that nee