To Whom I May Concern (TWIMC) is an interactive theater program designed to give voice to people who have recently been diagnosed with a progressive brain illness such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Using their own words and scripting, these individuals share their stories and experiences with audiences made up of family members, peers, friends, care partners, and professionals. Working with a professional moderator and writer, in groups online or in person, clients are able to create their own narrative, expressing their fear, anger, frustration, hope and determination — often with humor and love.
Inspired by her work with individuals with Alzheimer’s and their families, To Whom I May Concern is the brainchild of Maureen Matthews, who has worked with memory-impaired individuals for over 30 years. Searching for a way to support and encourage dialogue between individuals with dementia and the people around them, Maureen developed the project as a way to facilitate this communication. From a single group performance created as part of her dissertation, TWIMC has grown into a program that is used by groups around the country to help understand what it means to have a diagnosis of dementia