Sundowner and dementia documentary screening combine for Geelong free event

After the 1.00pm matinee performance on Saturday 21 April at 2.30pm will be a screening of the ABC Artscape documentary ‘Memory Play’, a documentary that follows the creation of Sundowner and star Helen Morse’s personal journey of discovery through rehearsals right up to opening night.

After the screening the audience will be invited to join a panel discussion about the production and the documentary.

The documentary reveals the trials and tribulations of putting on a production about a difficult subject and how the cast and crew struggle to make the show informative and entertaining.

Throughout the process they liaise closely with Alzheimer’s Australia Vic and consult with clients to maintain integrity in the script and the performance.

Forming the panel will be three sisters who cared for their mother and who were involved in the development of Sundowner, Rachelle Better-Johnston, Kris Samuel and Erica Heim; Kate Denborough, Director of Sundowner; and Margaret Lawson, Alzheimer’s Australia Vic, Program Manager, Dementia Consultation Services Client Services.

"I can’t stop thinking about the whole experience and how uplifted I feel. It puts a light in my heart to know that this message will make it to the general public," community forum participant and dementia carer Rachelle Better-Johnston said.

Starring Helen Morse (A Town like Alice, Picnic at Hanging Rock), Sundowner was developed through a series of community forums over eighteen months which brought together people with younger onset dementia, carers of those with dementia, and the creative team involved in the development of the show (including the performers, writer and director).

"The discussions within these forums were instrumental in creating Sundowner," Kate Denborough KAGE, Creative Director said.

"Participants with an experience of dementia and Alzheimer’s Australia Vic provided vital ideas, feedback and genuine stories that have subsequently shaped the philosophy and direction of the show.

"Some of the scenes within Sundowner have been directly crafted from stories shared within these community forums. The characters and their relationships have also been highly influenced by these shared conversations.

"Our creative team read widely in the field and consulted with practitioners in different parts of the world."

"KAGE has created a performance that traverses sorrow, fears, humour and dignity. Through the eyes of three generations, Sundowner tells the story of so many Australian families," Alzheimer’s Australia Vic, General Manager Strategic Initiatives, Jack Sach said.

"We wholeheartedly commend all those involved in the project at KAGE."

Sundowning is the name of a behaviour associated with dementia when some people with dementia are particularly restless in the afternoon and evening.

Sundowner will be performed at the Geelong Performing Arts Centre from 19 through to 21 April.

The exclusive free documentary screening and panel discussion is at 2.30pm on Saturday 21 April at GPAC.

Bookings are essential for this free event – 5225 1227.

To book your performance tickets visit http://www.gpac.org.au/Shows/Alcoa_Theatre/2012/Sundowner or call GPAC on the number above.

-ENDS-

In Victoria 70,000 people are living with dementia, 56 people develop dementia every day. Alzheimer’s Australia Vic is the charity representing people with dementia in Victoria. As the peak body, we provide specialised dementia information, education and support services.

Call our National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 or visit www.fightdementia.org.au/vic

Media contact: Christine Bolt on 9816 5772 / 0400 004 553, cbolt@alzvic.asn.au or Kelly McNeill on 9816 5745 / 0437 453 113, kmcneill@alzvic.asn.au