What’s in a number?

Winnipeg

St. James-Assiniboia

Wolseley

The words of a local group of playwrights, which is celebrating a decade as a collective, will soon come alive on stage.

Dramatists in Dotage will present Age is Just a Number! — a reading of six short plays by Kevin Longfield, Jenny Gates, Bruce Sarbit, Armin Wiebe, Brian Richardson, and Sue Proctor. Lynne Martin is also a member of the group.

There will be two events, which will be held at the Gargoyle Theatre, which is located at 585 Ellice Ave., on Saturday, Oct. 4 — doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m. — and Sunday, Oct. 5 — doors open at 1:30 p.m., and the show starts at 2 p.m.

According to a release, the group — which was formed in 2015 — collaborates in the creation, writing and sharing of ideas, words and stories with a variety of audiences, and played a key role in the development of plays that have been professionally produced, won contests, and received honourable mentions.

Wiebe said the founding members of the group, which was initiated by Longfield and Sarbit, would meet in the cafeteria of the University of Winnipeg.

“It was a good atmosphere. We could read scripts out loud and not feel self-conscious,” said Wiebe, who lives downtown.

“It’s a chance to read, and receive encouragement and feedback,” he added, noting the sessions continued digitally when COVID-19 hit.

Alluding to the age-related nature of the upcoming readings, Longfield said he hopes the performances will appeal to a wide-ranging audience.

“Naturally, given what we’re doing, most of our friends are own age, but we’d like it apply to a general audience,” said Longfield, who lives in Wolseley. “We’re all connected by topics such as romantic interests, medical issues, or relationships.”

“Essentially, these are human stories, and about people experiencing these things, about camaraderie,” added Gates, who lives in St. James. “I think these stories appeal to audiences of any age.”

Gates said there will be a talkback session after the readings: “Please be open to asking questions and engaging with the playwrights.”

Longfield said he’s looking forward to local actors, including group member Martin, reading the pieces. Actors include Brendan Carruthers, Jo MacDonald, J. Craig Oliphant, and Celia Sarbit.

“We’ve brought in people to act in our plays, and having somebody come in and approach it as actor is interesting. I’m looking forward to seeing what they’ll bring to the readings,” he said.

Wiebe emphasized the fact the playwrights are all of a certain is proof positive that age is, indeed, just a number.

“This is us resisting growing old,” Wiebe said, with a laugh. “We’re doing this instead of going on cruises.”

Tickets are $10, and available online at www.thegargoyletheatre.com or via cash at the door.