Real Live Theatre
When The Mind’s Free world premiere
Friday & Saturday, July 26-27 and Thursday, Friday, Saturday, August 1-3 at 7:30pm; Sundays, July 28 & August 4 at 2:00pm
at the The Shea Theater, 71 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA 01376
ALSO Tuesday July 30 1pm
at the Northampton Senior Center, 67 Conz Street, Northampton MA
RLT premieres our original piece of devised dance-theatre When The Mind’s Free, which follows a contemporary lesbian couple and their adult daughters as they navigate Alzheimer’s disease and addiction, and seek light in their darkest times.
Each performance concludes with a facilitated community conversation calling forth the lived experiences of audience members impacted by the themes of the play, providing a safe space where people can feel grief, hope, recovery, and a sense of belonging and community.
Friday & Saturday, July 26-27 and Thursday, Friday, Saturday, August 1-3 at 7:30pm Sundays, July 28 & August 4 at 2:00pm
When The Mind’s Free has been developed over a five-year period of improvisation and in conversation with Shakespeare’s King Lear, as well as in consultation with memory care organizations, caretakers, families, and individuals dealing with memory loss.
Masks will be required for audiences Sunday, July 28 & Saturday, August 3; masking is optional at all other shows. This play includes Mature Content (simulated sexual intimacy, strong language, allusions to drug use).
PLUS: NORTHAMPTON SENIOR CENTER PERFORMANCE & COMMUNITY CONVERSATION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON TUESDAY, JULY 30TH AT 1:00PM, FEATURING A RESPITE ROOM
Respite Room available for older adults with cognitive challenges or dementia to allow caregivers the opportunity to attend the play. The Respite Room will be staffed by professionals from Cooley Dickinson’s Pioneer Valley Memory Care Initiative. Space in the Respite Room is limited and will be available on a first come, first served basis.
Directed by: Toby Vera Bercovici
Featuring: Carolyn Goelzer*, Myka Plunkett, Annelise Nielsen, Liz Stanton*, Linda Tardif *Member Actors’ Equity Association
Design & Production Team: Choreography by Annelise Nielsen, Lighting Design by Ezekiel Baskin, Sound Design & Composition by Samuel V. Perry, Costume Design by Mikayla Reid, Stage Management by Nat Solomon, Produced by Ellen Morbyrne for RLT
Photos by Ellen Augarten and Katie Gay
TICKETS for Shea shows
www.reallivetheatre.net
www.sheatheater.org
PRICES: $25-$50, with a Pay-What-You-Can option for anyone
Special Note for Audiences: If you or the person you’re caring for has Alzheimer’s/dementia, and you worry if you/your loved one will be welcome at our Shea Theater performances, please know that EVERYONE IS WELCOME, EXACTLY AS THEY ARE. Crying, sounding, laughing, getting up and leaving partway through, re-entering after a break in the lobby – this is all welcome. This story is about a family going through painful times, but it is also about their beautiful and joyful moments as well. All experiences and feelings are welcome in our audiences.
