Staging the experiences of person with dementia focuses attention on the drama of living with the knowledge “that I have a brain disease that isn’t going to get better.” (Performance in Manhatten, 2006)
The script is written as a series of letters which reduces the anxiety of the performers. Rehearsing the script several times in front of the other group members is helpful as well as on the stage where the performance will occur.
The set is simple. No props are needed though one group used desks to highlight the letter writing theme and another group decided to wear something purple for Alzheimer’s.
Performances have occurred in churches, senior centers, and public auditoriums. Any place will work as long as the sound system is good and there is room for an audience of care partners, families, friends, peers, and professionals. The mailing list should answer the question “Who needs to understand the personal experience of living with dementia?”
When the stage is set and the curtain goes up (symbolically), the focus is on the person with dementia. This is their moment to speak. Every audience to date has been moved deeply. They have never had the experience of listening to a person with dementia.
