Our Origins
History Alive and Legacy Art Work are two arts programs pioneered by Susan Perlstein, founder of the New York-based organization Elders Share the Arts (ESTA). In 2005 executive director Cynthia Wu introduced them to Taiwan, continuing on in the tradition of these two globalized programs, which to date spans more than 10 years. With the help of our partners, the Godot Theatre Company and the New and Alive Art Service Co. Ltd., the programs have already taken root in Taiwan. Even after reaching the ESTA organization's milestones, History Alive and Legacy Art Work continue to take on a life and local flavor of their own. In addition to increasing social participation and improving quality of life among seniors, they also have pioneered new possibilities for intergenerational communication in Taiwan.
Core Values
The History Alive program has a longstanding partnership with the Godot Theatre Company. Through storytelling, seniors guide schoolchildren to a new understanding of the value of age as well as the different faces of aging, all the while helping to bridge the communication gap between generations. Seniors also benefit from this interaction with children, which allows them to reconnect with society and lead more confident, fulfilling lives. To date, over 90,000 schoolchildren have listened to the life stories told by grandmothers and grandfathers involved in the program.
Life Theatre
Since they began in 2010, seniors and children have already put on several of these stage performances. Not only are they honest portrayals of the life stories of the elderly, but they spark interaction and friendships across generations.
Instructor Training
Professional leadership instructors are trained to take on the role of intergenerational facilitators, and they have thrived and spread throughout Taiwan. With skilled leaders guiding their interaction and communication, younger generations can reevaluate the significance and meaning of growing old. Seniors also are able to regain their social standing, share the wisdom of age, and live more confident and fulfilling lives. By collecting the highlights and memories of their lives, we are equipping ourselves with a wonderful and diverse array of tools to do good and give back to society.
