ELIZABETH DUMAS
I'm 86 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 (92 years old), I try to bring hope and joy to those who have added many years to their life.

DOLORES HUNTER
My name is Dolores, and I'm 78 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 82 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 things 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 96 years old, it's my first time acting. I enjoy it. It's a lot of fun.

LOU FURMAN
Lou is well experienced in dealing with non-trained as well as professional actors. He is a member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, has been Artistic Director of several professional companies, and. has taught theatre at university and secondary school levels. Lou is a Registered Drama Therapist who has facilitated drama activity with the elderly on numerous occasions.

PRESS

Faces: The Golden Heart Players:
"Look How Beautiful We Are"
By Deborah Cotton | Read the article

CONTACTS
Lou Furman, GHP Director
phone: (504) 866-3046

Sylvia Warren,
Uptown Shepherd's Center Director
phone: (504) 314-0300

Uptown Shepherd's Center
921 Carrollton Avenue
New Orleans, Louisiana 70118

GHP PRODUCTIONS

"NONY" (New Orleans Needs You) - NEW!
In this performance piece, the cast presents some of the problems New Orleans is facing.  In a dramatic twist, the last scene of the show is a dialogue with audience members who are asked to make a specific commitment of their choice to do one small thing to help rebuild the city.

"How Beautiful We Are"
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.

This performance was originally scheduled for November 2005. After the storm, though several of the original members were no longer living in New Orleans, GHP were back at rehearsals in late November. The play changed somewhat, adding some post-Katrina references.

OUR FRIENDS

Uptown Shepherd's Center,
John and Sylvia Warren

Charitable Film Network

Turning Point Partners

The Golden Heart Players is supported with grants from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council as administered by The Arts Council of New Orleans.

Contents Copyright 2008 Golden Hearts Players
Photos courtesy of the Charitable Film Network
and Lou Furman.
Site design by The Pencil Pusher.