Exploring the Personal and the Universal
During the past six years, Matthew has had the opportunity to work on multiple productions of the show, each featuring a different actor in the role of Jane. He has observed how the emotional journey of the play shifts based on the interpretation of the character.
Each actor brought a unique approach to portraying Jane, with one emphasizing emotion, another holding back, and another employing humor to navigate challenging moments. Through Jane’s story, the play highlights the complex and conflicting emotions experienced by caregivers. There is no singular way to be a carer, as individuals may grapple with feelings of hopelessness, guilt, anger, and love in varying combinations.
Many of us have personal or indirect encounters with dementia, yet it remains an underdiscussed topic. The play’s raw honesty made it a challenging but necessary experience, prompting emotional reactions from audience members.
In Other Words serves as a platform for individuals to initiate conversations about the realities of living with dementia and the responsibilities of being a carer. Matthew emphasizes the significance of post-show discussions, where audience members share their own stories and connections to the play.
For the author, the play also stirred personal reflections on a grandmother who lived with dementia in her later years. While these memories are bittersweet, efforts are made to revisit earlier moments of connection and love.
