RLT Presents: WHEN THE MIND'S FREE, a Fundraising Gala
Saturday, June 17, 7:00 pm until 9:30 pm
June 17: a staged reading and fundraising gala for the greater public.
When The Mind's Free is a dance-theatre piece that lifts language, ideas, and story from Shakespeare’s King Lear and places them in a contemporary context, that of a lesbian couple dealing with the early-onset-Alzheimer’s of the matriarch and the opioid addiction of their youngest daughter. The language in this piece is mainly contemporary and has emerged out of improvisations outlined and shaped by the director and performed by the ensemble.
“There is a desperate need to increase the representation of those living with Alzheimer's and caregivers in media and pieces like this; this disease continues to impact more families and we need art pieces to help the broader public understand this disease.” -Meghan Lemay, Alzheimer's Association, Regional Manager, supporting consultant to When The Mind's Free.
We are guided in our process not only by our study of the text of King Lear, but also by these big questions: What does it mean to have accurate memories, and why do we need them? Separated from our memories, who are we? Can we maintain intimate relationships without shared memories? How can the Buddhist principle of non-attachment help us in caring for those with memory loss and those who suffer from addiction? And finally, how do we bring levity and light into our darkest hours?
This evening is for the general public and also serves as a fundraising gala to celebrate & support When The Mind's Free - enjoy free food and a cash bar as well as the staged reading. Although ticket purchases are not tax-deductible, there will be options for making tax-deductible donations at the event.
These 2023 staged readings will help us build momentum for the world premiere (here in the Valley!) in 2024, followed by a national tour 2024-2025.
T?his project is funded in part by generous grants received from the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Posted to: Upcoming Events at the Shea (updated 2023-05-06 14:10:14).