Sheatre is pleased to announce two presentations of The Dementia Play next week – in Meaford for the 55 Plus Friendship Club on Tuesday, March 29 at 2pm in the Ballroom of the Meaford & St. Vincent Community Centre, 151 Collingwood and at Chippewas of Nawash First Nation at the Maadookii Seniors Centre on Thursday, March 31 at 2pm.
The presentations are free to attend and all are welcome.
The project began in the fall of 2015, when the call went out for people who have experience with dementia or Alzheimer's disease to work with Sheatre's Joan Chandler and David Sereda to create a play with music inspired by their perspectives. Twelve seniors from Grey and Bruce took part, some in the early stages ofdementia and Alzheimer's and some who 
were caregivers.
The goals of increasing understanding and reducing stigma around living with Alzheimer's and dementia are at the heart of the short play, which is followed by an engaging Q & A with the cast members and an educator from the Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce. The play has already been presented six times to community groups and seniors' events in Owen Sound, Southampton and Thornbury to a warm reception, and there are hopes that the group will continue later this year.
Said one participant, "My world had been getting smaller and smaller as I concentrated on my "to-do" lists and worries about my Mother. Interacting with other people who are living with dementia (either personally or through caregiving) brought support and helpful advice through the exchange of our personal stories."
Sheatre appreciates the kind support of the Government of Ontario through the Seniors Community Grant, and the input of the Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce, in making The Dementia Play possible.
