A Camberwell-based actress, who encourages people living with dementia to get involved with theatre to bring their memories to life, has been recognised on the King’s first Honours List.
Laura Harling, 36, has lived in Camberwell for the last 12 years. In 2016, she founded The Dot Collective – a charity that brings high-quality theatre to those living in care, with a focus on those with dementia.
“I started The Dot Collective after my grandma went into a residential care home,” she explained. “I had worked as an actor and producer and knew the joy theatre could bring people in care.
“It seemed ridiculous that in London theatre shows were trying to pull in audiences while there were audiences waiting for the theatre to happen in care.
During the pandemic, they ran a project called “A Map to You” – which saw them partner with Link Age Southwark to do online storytelling workshops.
“We talked to people living with dementia and their families about their life stories and created short plays in response to their memories – which were staged as professional theatre for them to watch with their families and a public audience.
“Some of the family members said they’d never heard some of their stories before – so they were really grateful to get to share the experience too.”
Laura has had a prestigious career starting as a child actress, she has had roles at the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal Opera House. She has also appeared in numerous films including classics like David Copperfield alongside Daniel Radcliffe, Gosford Park and Jane Eyre.
Laura said she is now mostly touring care homes in London and the south but the hope is to take it to a national level one day.
“No one else is doing what we do,” she added.
“Theatre is an activity that everyone can do together – and there’s no pressure from the activity for the participant to achieve something.
“It tackles social isolation and is stimulating for everyone involved.”
“The positive effects of arts on health and especially for people with dementia are huge.
She added that making sure theatre is accessible is important. Another project they do is tour shows into residential care and regularly work with the Alzheimer’s Society Southwark and Link Age Southwark.
“During our recent Christmas touring theatre production, the non-verbal audience engaged by spontaneously getting up and dancing with the actors mid-show, it was amazing to see such a positive response to the work.”
“Living and caring for dementia presents its challenges, so we are grateful to be able to offer carers support whilst bringing joy to people in care.”
Laura is on the New Year’s Honours List 2023 – the King’s first list – to receive a British Empire Medal (BEM). She said the news was ‘very unexpected.’
“I am so grateful for the recognition of this work – it was very unexpected.
“I am thankful for the continued support of my peers and funders who allow The Dot Collective to revolutionise the way theatre is thought of in care and community settings, as well as providing stimulation, shared excitement, and joy for those who are most isolated,” she added.
http://southwarknews.co.uk/news/southwark-review-of-the-year-2022-how-we-stood-with-ukraine/
