The Nature of Forgetting at The Lowry
Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
Theatre Re’s The Nature of Forgetting is a stunning physical theatre performance, powerful yet heartwarming, that looks at memory and the space that is left in its absence. Playing at The Lowry this January, the piece has been developed with UCL Neuroscience Professor Kate Jeffery and the Alzheimer’s Society.
A stunning physical theatre performance that looks at memory and the space that is left in its absence.
Established in 2009, Theatre Re are one of the UK’s leading visual theatre companies. The company strives to create thought-provoking, tangible and poignant work that examines fragile human conditions, spanning the boundaries of mime and theatre. And since their production – The Nature of Forgetting – first premiered in 2017, it has been described as “a phenomenal example of true theatrical magic” and has enjoyed more than 150 performances in sold-out venues across the world.
The Nature of Forgetting aims to look at dementia through the eyes of the person living with the diagnosis. The audience are introduced to Tom as he gets ready to celebrate his 55th birthday – the stage becomes the space in which he can share the last of his memories before they disappear entirely.
The small ensemble shift through time and place smoothly, depicting important events in Tom’s life, from his school days through to his marriage and family experiences. The impressive physical theatre sequences are set to Alex Judd’s dreamlike musical score, which is performed live alongside the action.
Beautiful, breathtaking and wonderfully energetic
And if a physical theatre show that explores the facets and strands of dementia doesn’t initially sound like your cup of tea – you really should give it a try. Beautiful, breathtaking and wonderfully energetic, The Nature of Forgetting finds the joyous despite the bleak outlook, and inspires compassion and celebration in equal measure – encouraging us to talk, share and understand dementia together.
