On Thursday, July 11, a play took place at the Laure Ecard space. “Seniors, Beware of Scams” is the name given to this interactive play. Produced by the Barouf Company, it aims to raise awareness among senior citizens in the Maralpine region.
Abuse of vulnerability, home scams, commercial solicitation, credit card scams, and theft are the topics covered during this performance. Directed by the Barouf Company, “Seniors, Beware of Scams” allows everyone to share experiences and adopt the right reflexes to defend against scams and abuse of all kinds.
A Theatrical Immersion
At 3 p.m., the room fills with 120 spectators who come to watch this play. They settle down, chatting animatedly and anticipating what promises to be a captivating performance. Whispers grow, as do laughs. Suddenly, the first notes of “Find Out What’s Happening” by Bobby Bare resonate. A lady wearing a red jacket enters the room distributing flyers…The first scene begins.
The first scene of the Barouf Company © Vicky Warocquier
The lights gradually dim, plunging the room into almost total darkness. Only two characters, illuminated by a beam of light, are on stage. On one side, an elderly, vulnerable person, on the other, a wrongdoer. The minimalist decor allows the focus to be on their interaction. Each scene that follows explores current themes: aggressive commercial canvassing, sophisticated phone scams, credit card frauds, and crafty thefts. Five scenes that captivate and challenge.
Between Engagement and Advice
As the plot unfolds, the reactions of the spectators align. Sighs, murmurs, nods, exclamations…Identification with the different scenes is immediate, the experience is collective, especially during the phone scam. During the brief pauses between scenes, the murmur turns into a buzz, the discussions become lively. That is when Marie-Christinne Renucci, a lawyer at the Nice Bar, steps in. She listens to the testimonies, the concerns, while providing precise advice. Each piece of advice from the lawyer is invaluable.
As the scenes unfold, the atmosphere becomes more and more immersive, the engagement of the audience palpable. It’s more than just a play, it’s a call for vigilance and solidarity. Because improving the quality of life for seniors is a priority for the Alpes-Maritimes Department.
Since 2012, the Departmental Council has been supporting healthy aging with the ” Seniors in Action! ” program for Maralpines over 55. Throughout the year, cultural activities, workshops, and shows are offered free of charge or at preferential rates, facilitating access for all and strengthening social and intergenerational bonds.
