PICTURES OF YOU
ONE WOMAN SHOW
Joyful Jams is a dementia arts CIC, and we aim to expand our long-running project Pictures of You, into a high-quality solo ‘Suitcase Theatre’ production designed for regional touring of care homes.
Since 2019, Pictures of You has been a cornerstone of our work at Joyful Jams. It has grown and adapted over time, beginning as early research and development, becoming a digital film during the pandemic, and later reaching audiences through socially distanced performances in care home gardens in 2022.
We are now at an important stage in its artistic development. Our aim is to draw together everything we have learned from these earlier versions and shape it into a refined, professional one woman show created especially for people living with dementia.
This next step invites us to rethink how the piece is made and experienced. We are translating the visual richness of film and the connection of a two performer piece into an intimate solo performance. In doing so, we are developing our own approach to Suitcase Theatre, holding on to the sense of wonder and sensory depth that defines our work, while creating something that is portable, flexible, and able to reach more people.
Working in partnership with MAST Mayflower Studios and Hampshire Cultural Trust, Joyful Jams will undertake focused development residencies, collaborating with director Anna Carr and filmmaker James Henderson to refine and elevate the piece. With support from Colten Care and African Activites, the project will extend Joyful Jams’ reach to 30 care homes, broaden the diversity of its storytelling, and strengthen a professional, scalable model for solo touring performances that bring meaningful, accessible arts experiences to people living with dementia.
THE ARTISTS
LOUISA WHITE
Louisa has developed a successful method of working; using creative and developmental movement practices coupled with therapeutic skills and authentic presence, which has taken her into schools, community centres, hospitals and youth groups to facilitate joy and creativity, health and growth.
ANNA CARR
Anna has been hugely inspired by her dads knowledge of and passion for classical music. As a child she loved cleaning mirrors and glass and her favourite holiday was to Ireland at the age of 20 where she was entranced by moody skies, soulful music and heartfelt partying.
SAM GILROY
Sam is an independent Dance Artist and Choreographer creating interdisciplinary performances inspired by personal narratives. Sam collaborates with people of all ages across different disciplines, to connect communities through arts opportunities.
JAMES HENDERSON
Filmmaker James loves telling interesting stories in exciting ways and delivering dynamic audiovisual content tailored to his clients needs. He graduated from Bournemouth University's Film Production and Cinematography course in 2018, and have been creating ever since.
JANET AYRE
Janet is a community artist based in Portsmouth. She runs Southsea Community Choir. Janet works extensively in the therapeutic singing field, runs music groups for adult beginners and improvers, folk dance classes and art workshops.
AFRICAN ACTIVITIES
New Forest-based African Activities offer the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of Black and African Cultures. They share superb creative artistic experiences that disrupt preconceptions, create community, drive excellence and break barriers. They have extensive experience in Suitcase Theatre.