• 한국노년학
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.359-377
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• 2020

The purpose of this study is to examine the direction of the elderly theatre by analyzing an example of the elderly theatre program which is attempted in a way of the welfare of senior citizens in terms of cultural support. To this end, the 'Hoechun Circus' composed of elderly women in Dangjin, South Chungcheong Province, was investigated and analyzed. Research methods uses a case study, performance theory, and peer review strategies to increase the validity of the study. The results of the study are as follows: Firstly, the elderly women intended to communicate with children and adolescents through performance; Secondly, they wanted to communicate with other physically uncomfortable elderly people; Thirdly, they also attempted to communicate with young or middle-aged as well as all residents; Fourthly, they experienced a new genre of theatre to identify themselves in a different ways and enhance their sense of accomplishment and spent their old age pleasantly and informally. Based on these findings, the following suggestions were made. First, we should expand the theatre programs of senior citizens which benchmark the 'Hoechun Circus'. Second, various cases of elderly theater should be studied and policy research to support such elderly theatre is necessary. Besides, educational courses to train elderly theatre experts should also be developed. Third, it should also seek ways for the program to move beyond regional limits and interact with organizations at home and abroad. Fourth, there is room to explore new ways in the field of theater therapy, and the development of sociodrama or psychodrama programs can be an alternative.