A group of Derry stroke survivors and their carers will take to the stage in the city tomorrow night to tell their personal stories through music and song.
Stroke Odysseys, being staged in the Playhouse, is the culmination of an innovative music project involving people whose lives have been affected by stroke.
Led by Rosetta Life, internationally acclaimed composer Orlando Gough and Wall2Wall Music, the show is being staged as part of Derry’s City of Culture celebrations.
They have been working with patients and staff from the stroke unit at Altnagelvin Hospital as well as staff at the Chest Heart and Stroke Association, and exploring their experiences through singing and song writing.
Sarah Murphy from Wall2Wall Music explained: “Up to now Orlando Gough and Chris Rawlence from Rosetta Life have been out visiting various people living with strokes in their homes and communities and there have been lots of personal and musical interactions.
“Participants can decide whether or not they wish to sing and by bringing their own stories to light – stories of love, place, and stroke itself – and shaping these into song, stroke survivors can rediscover voice.
“The result is nine songs that tell the stories of some of the people we have met, some of which are extremely moving. The experience has been so humbling and the humour and warmth among the group that has been involved has been immense. This project has definitely been as much about enjoying the creative process as the performance itself, although that promises to be extremely enjoyable on the night.”
Stroke Odysseys takes place in the Playhouse Theatre tomorrow night (Monday) at 7.30pm. Tickets priced £5 can be purchased from the Box Office on 028 71 268027.
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