In 2025, Padepokan Seni Bagong Kussudiardja (PSBK) in Yogyakarta collaborated with Welsh artists Jo Fong and George Orange to develop Extending The Rest Of Our Lives, a project that brought together artists and community members from different generations through workshops, residency activities, and a public presentation. Inspired by Jo and George’s performance The Rest Of Our Lives (TROOL), the initiative explored how artistic practice can create spaces for dialogue, reflection, and meaningful relationships between people of different ages.
As part of a broader effort to foster intergenerational collaboration in the performing arts, the project invited participants with diverse backgrounds to work together through movement, conversation, and shared creative exploration. The workshops encouraged participants to build trust, exchange experiences, and discover new ways of connecting through performance.
The British Council spoke with PSBK, Jo Fong, and George Orange about the development of the collaboration, the challenges encountered along the way, and how the project opened new possibilities for intergenerational artistic practice.
British Council (BC) Overall Experience: How did the project go, and how did the partnership unfold?
Padepokan Seni Bagong Kussudiardja (PSBK): The project was highly successful and exceeded our initial expectations. Through workshops inspired by The Rest of Our Lives, we created a space for artistic exploration while fostering meaningful intergenerational exchange.
Participants from different ages and backgrounds were able to connect and collaborate in a shared creative environment. The process allowed older participants to share their experience and wisdom, while younger participants contributed fresh perspectives.
“The workshop encouraged people to work together not just as individuals, but as friends—whether old or young. It opened a way to see through age categories.” - Jo Fong
The workshop also gave Jo and George the opportunity to understand the cultural and social context of intergenerational relationships in Yogyakarta. This was reflected in the public presentation of The Rest of Our Lives, which received a very positive response from local audiences.
“Whatever happens when first arriving at a show changes the show itself, because we learn simply by being here.” - George Orange
BC: What is the main message or new understanding you gained from this project?
PSBK: From the first day of the workshop, Jo Fong emphasized a simple message: “We don’t need to know each other fast, but we need to know each other well.”
Many participants initially only knew each other by name. Through conversation, movement, touch, and shared exercises, the workshop created opportunities for participants to truly get to know one another.
By designing the workshop as a shared experience, trust gradually developed among the participants and opened the possibility for genuine collaboration.
“It’s challenging, but it raises the bar… we worked and collaborated—that was the experiment.” - Jo Fong
George Orange (GO): This process does require a significant time commitment, but it's where friendships are formed. With this group, we began to see, hear, and seek inspiration in different ways.
BC: Challenges and Adaptations: Were there any changes or obstacles?
PSBK: One of the main challenges occurred when our application for additional funding to support the three-week residency was unsuccessful. Despite this, our UK partners remained committed to the original plan because they believed it was the most effective way to create meaningful engagement.
To make the project possible, we adjusted the budget and scaled down some facilities while maintaining the artistic integrity of the programme. Despite these challenges, the exchange remained vibrant and inspiring for everyone involved.
BC: Share an anecdote or highlight from your journey
PSBK: One of the most memorable aspects of the project was witnessing how people from very different backgrounds came together and supported each other throughout the creative process.
A particularly moving moment involved Vale, a young dancer with Down Syndrome who participated in the workshop. At one point he said proudly, “I’m making the best show.” Seeing his confidence grow during the process was deeply meaningful for everyone.
During the public performance, there was also a spontaneous moment when children from the surrounding neighbourhood joined the stage and played with the performers. Jo and George responded with warmth and openness, continuing their dance among the children—creating one of the most joyful scenes of the show.
