What happens when our loved ones start losing their memory?
That is a question Kage Physical Theatre co-founder Kate Denborough hopes to answer in her new play, Sundowner. It tells the story of three generations of a family grappling with younger onset dementia.
Mother and grandmother Peggy (played by Helen Morse) is at the centre of the struggle.
Denborough says she began working on the project with her brother David a few years ago after noticing Alzheimer’s disease was frequently mentioned in the news.
“The more I researched the topic, the more that the issue of dementia seemed like fascinating theatrical territory,” she said.
Denborough worked with Alzheimer’s Australia and spoke to carers and people with younger onset dementia who shared their stories. “I was determined to make a show that was not all doom and gloom.
Hearing of their different ways of coping was so inspiring,” she said.
Throughout Sundowner, Morse’s character struggles to find ways to communicate with her loved ones and face the changes in herself.
Morse said she was drawn to the role because her mother had Alzheimer’s.
“During a fairly emotional meeting with Kate, I was impressed by the fact that Kage was collaborating with the Alzheimer’s association and was holding forums with families and carers dealing with the realities of dementia.
“Every family’s experience dealing with dementia is unique and personal, but we have tried to reflect some of the situations and challenging behaviour that are commonly faced through Peggy and her family.”
Sundowner is at Wyndham Cultural Centre on May 25 at 8pm. Bookings: 8734 6000.
