There’s Maggie, a super-grandmother who has found her feet again after lockdown isolation. and Jean, the supreme sweet pill, who loves life while battling ill health.
Susan’s grief over the loss of her husband still strikes her unexpectedly, but she is ready for any adventure. Her best friends Betty and Wilma laugh and cry together as they remember those they’ve loved and lost.
Betty, Wilma, Jean, Maggie, Susan (Image: BBC)
These epic Possilpark grans are on a mission to write and perform the first ever rap, with the help of comedian, actor and singer Karen Dunbar.
From the beginning of the tension to a full performance in front of the local community, their journey, captured in a television documentary, will melt even the coldest heart.
“This is not a documentary where I teach a bunch of older women how to rap,” Karen adamantly says.
Karen Dunbar (Image: BBC)
“This is a story about community, friendship and family, and how rap, poetry and the spoken word can empower people to tell their own stories. Who they are, It doesn’t matter where you come from.”
Karen explains that the idea came from the Lockdown Project.
“I was sitting there watching a year of live work fade away,” she says. “Everything has been cancelled. And for me, lockdown wasn’t about making banana bread or learning Spanish, it was barely doing laundry.
“I needed to do something for my sanity.”
A friend suggested working with her in a rap workshop that Karen had arranged with a refugee group.
“I love music and I love to talk, so this was perfect,” she says. “It’s grown from there. Now I run rap-her workshops for about 30 different groups of all ages and all backgrounds. I love it.”
she pauses. “But this was so emotional and inspiring. You can see how much I loved the show by the faces on the show. They speak so honestly and with such rawness.” It’s very special to hear
“This will stay in my heart forever.”
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During several workshops held at NG Homes’ offices on Saracen Street, the five women put their initial tensions aside and learned the F-word (family, friendship, faith, etc. Nothing is offensive). ) created a wrap full of
Supported by Karen and Amy Rew of the Glasgow Girls Club, the women share their stories of life, love and loss.
Karen Dunbar (left) and Amy Liu (Image: BBC)
Maggie, who has five grandchildren and one great-grandchild, is slowly regaining her confidence after suffering six weeks in lockdown.
“That’s why it was great to be able to do this with Karen and Amy,” she says.
Four years ago, Betty had complications after surgery.
“It required intensive care and two more surgeries, but it didn’t work,” she says. “I haven’t been out for a year. I don’t know why I went to church, but I went to church and met Wilma, Mary and Eileen there. We had so much fun together.” It’s just.”
Irene is Wilma’s younger sister.
“She died of cancer, and a year later Mary died of cancer,” says Wilma. “The last few years have been tough.”
Every Monday morning, Wilma and Betty visit Mosesfield Memorial Gardens to “be with their daughters.”
Wilma smiles. This is what keeps us going. ”
Gene makes a tablet to sell to the nearby Courtyard Pantry to raise money for Stobhill Hospital. Last lot she was £2,109, she proudly says.
“I just enjoy giving,” she says. “Many people have helped me over the years, so now is the time to pay back.”
Jean was recently diagnosed with emphysema.
“It affects your lungs and your breathing — it takes your strength away,” she says. But I stay positive.
“I make the most of every day. I love life. Whatever is thrown at me, I deal with it.”
Susan has lived in North Glasgow for over 70 years. Her husband, Michael, sadly died of stomach cancer ten years before her.
“He was a caring and giving person,” says Susan. “I miss him. I still say, ‘Oh, you’d never guess…’.”
Attending a rap workshop was a godsend, she says.
“It’s great to feel like you belong. Social contact is essential,” she nods. “I haven’t laughed this much in a long time. It’s an adventure. There are peaks and valleys, but you have to think, ‘Oh, I can do this.'” ”
Karen Dunbar’s School of Lap will air on BBC Scotland on Thursday 23 March at 10pm.
