Strong women over 60: Theater project in Cologne inspires and connects!

Strong women over 60: Theater project in Cologne inspires and connects!

In an impressive theater project in Cologne-Buchheim, women between the ages of 63 and 82 show that life is full of creative possibilities for expression, even in old age. People are dancing to “Geuner” by Sido in a seminar room while a 70-year-old Sinti sings along. Under the direction of theater teacher Franziska Schneeberger, Maranda and six other women are developing their very own play, which deals with the themes of home, war, love and security in the family. This diverse group consists of three Russian-speaking women and three women of Iranian origin who bring their shared experiences to the stage.

During rehearsals for the pantomime performance of the 70s hit “The Little Household,” the participants show how difficult daily challenges often are to overcome. Particularly noteworthy is Valentina, 74 years old, who once worked in Germany for 24 years and now plays the role of a selfish man. Despite health restrictions and sometimes poor written skills, the women have developed a remarkable stage presence, which they bring with a lot of commitment and passion. The oldest participant, 82-year-old Valentina, is considered the fittest.

Friendships and cultural participation

The theater project, which will be performed on November 2nd, 2025 at 4 p.m. in the neighborhood and cultural center Et Kapellche e.V., not only promotes the creative work of women, but also social cohesion among each other. The intensive rehearsal period, which also included a weekend in Haus Altenberg, enabled new friendships to be made. “We women are strong” – this motto is reflected in the way the women support and encourage each other.

Nowadays, cultural participation is becoming increasingly important for seniors. Studies show that social contacts and creative activity can increase the quality of life and satisfaction of older people. Seniors who live alone often experience social isolation, which not only has a negative impact on mood but can also cause health problems such as depression. For this reason, it is crucial to create high-quality offerings that go beyond just socializing. Social services in care facilities are required to develop creative programs that enable real participation. Seniorenheim-Magazin lists various approaches that meet the needs of older people.

Challenges in old age

Cultural participation should be accessible to all people, especially seniors who often struggle with health restrictions. A variety of challenges could make participation in such services difficult, including mobility restrictions, financial constraints and health problems such as vision problems. Sanimed sheds light on these aspects and points out how important political steps are to overcome barriers and give space to alternative event formats.

Another goal should be to make the creativity of seniors visible. Projects such as “Beauty in Old Age” and “Images of Life” show that people with cognitive changes can also actively participate in cultural offerings. The diversity of life stories and the different cultural backgrounds that come together in a project like Franziska Schneeberger's enrich every event and contribute to lively togetherness. Due to the limited number of seats, reservations are recommended for the performance on November 2nd. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the participants' impressive performances live!