Bittersleep
The piece uses an well structured voiceover to frame the physical materials, sometimes engaging in lip sync, embodying the voice and at other times using it as a separate texture. Some of the physical materials borrow from dance languages, whereas others feel more from a physical theatre.
This was a relentless performance in many ways that slowly reveals itself and its agenda beyond the exploration of dementia into a question of who deserves life.
This was a mature, compelling and challenging performance.
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Dr Pete Phillips
Artist and Collaborative Member of Search Party
Personal Advisor for performance
Photography:
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Caitlin Plimmer
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Sophia Greppi
Bittersleep is a 20 minute scratch performance currently being developed into a solo production to be performed at fringe festivals in the hope to find potential touring venues such as theatres, hospitals or schools. It explores the themes of repetition, deteriation and dignity surrounding the life of a carer, caring for a husband with Dementia.
Alzheimers disease is a progressive mental deterioration which forms dementia. It can occur in middle or old age and affect family members in various aspects. Due to generalised degeneration of the brain, those with the disease can forget their memories, people, faces, location and life they have had.
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Sourcing the documentary 'Malcolm and Barbara: Love's Farewell', the journey of the piece physically represents the deterioration of
not only the disease, but Barbara and Malcolms marriage, health and love for each other as husband and wife.
The piece finishes with a heart aching confession from Barbara, accepting that Malcolm has become a stranger and how she wants it to all be over.
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Using the techniques of lip synching, physicalised theatre and documentary, I am developing this piece exploring the journey of the disease and it's effect on the sufferer, and those left behind.