The Phinney Neighborhood Association is helping to bring Sandglass Theatre to Seattle for workshops and a March 5 performance of its award-winning “D-Generation: An Exaltation of Larks.”
Developed using a collective story-making method called TimeSlips, Sandglass Theater’s D-Generation: An Exaltation of Larks explores the rich creative potential and ability to communicate that exists in people with late-stage dementia. Their words, their images and their creative imaginations yield work that is poetic, humorous and quite mysterious. From these gathered stories, Sandglass Theater forms scenes of the inner lives of the characters and creates a piece that reflects the stigma, acceptance, despair and joy that is equally present and possible in both the person with dementia and in their caregivers, family members and broader community.
The work is performed by three puppeteers (the caregivers) and five puppets (the residents of a care community). Set to a compelling original score and striking animated video segments, D-Generation takes us into a world that is all too much a part of our lives.
TimeSlips was developed by Dr. Anne Basting, who received the 2016 MacArthur Genius Grant for her work. TimeSlips opens storytelling to everyone by replacing the pressure to remember with the freedom to imagine.
The hour-long performance will be followed by a facilitated discussion and sharing of community resources and support.
**Not recommended for people living with memory loss or young children. Before deciding to attend caregivers should consider that the performance takes place in a care facility, and the puppets exhibit late-stage dementia. Caregivers should be encouraged to attend the workshop specifically designed for them.
Click here to buy tickets for the performance at University Prep Theater, or to register for the free workshops, which are designed for specific audiences.
