Dears’ Diaries is a new series spotlighting the voices behind We’ll Take It From Here, Dear – our bold new theatre piece exploring the quiet ways older women are patronised, underestimated and stripped of agency.
Through conversations with Moving Memory’s core company, we’re sharing reflections on ageing, creativity, power and the process of creating this urgent new work together.
Dears’ Diaries: Wendy
Wendy joined Moving Memory almost 14 years ago after moving to Whitstable to be closer to her family.
Having previously completed a Fine Art and Sculpture degree in her late 50s, she was looking for a way to meet people in a new town when she came across one of Sian Stevenson’s movement classes at the Horsebridge.
“I thought, well, I better get involved in something otherwise I won’t know anybody.”
That first class would become the start of a long relationship with Moving Memory – Sian is our creative director – and one Wendy now describes simply as “my art”.
“As it became more dance, I realised this was my creative outlet really. I just loved it.”
Now one of the core company members creating We’ll Take It From Here, Dear alongside composer and musician Nina Clark, Wendy says the work has given her a sense of strength and visibility.
“It’s nice to stand out and be counted at our ages.”
The work explores the expectations placed on older women, and the ways society quietly limits or defines them.
“We’re kicking against what’s expected of older people. We’re trying to say, ‘Hang on a minute – we’re not all like that.’”
For Wendy, part of the joy of the process is creating work that tackles serious ideas while still making space for humour, play and experimentation.
“It’s a serious subject, but we’re trying to do something different with it.”
Reflecting on her earlier experiences studying art, Wendy describes often feeling overlooked in male-dominated spaces.
“You still got that feeling of being second-class. The focus was often on the men.”
“At Moving Memory, we’re all different – and we all love it together in equal measure.”
“We laugh a lot. But we all care deeply about the work we do.”
Wendy hopes audiences leave We’ll Take It From Here, Dear questioning assumptions around ageing and older women.
After a previous performance, audience members told her they “didn’t think we looked like old women” – a comment that has stayed with her.
“What is an old woman supposed to look like?”
“I want audiences to go away and say: ‘Wow, these are amazing people.’”
“I’m very proud of what we do. I don’t want it to stop.”
On 17 June, We’ll Take It From Here, Dear (Work in Progress) is premiering at The Grand Folkestone as part of Wavelengths Festival.
Secure your free tickets here.
We’ll Take It From Here, Dear has been generously supported by Arts Council England.