The Spring Curates Ground-breaking Festival Exploring Dementia

A heart-warming love story, a unique journey for the senses and an immersive theatrical performance are all part of The Spring's ground-breaking festival, More than a Memory which will explore the experience of living with dementia.

More Than A Memory takes place this February and aims to address the taboo associated with this disease, covering themes such as the power of music and what it means to each of us.

The play In Other Words (13 Feb) explores the effects of Alzheimer's on a relationship and the transformative power of music. The songs of Frank Sinatra connect the characters to their past and are a constant thread throughout the story. Music has been proven to access different parts of the brain than language and can be used to communicate, soothe and tap into emotions and memories.

Sophie Fullerlove, Director of The Spring commented, "Audiences can expect a moving love story about a couple's relationship with music as they are affected by dementia. It's incredibly well acted but it could be upsetting for some. However, there are some moments of joy too."

The free Sensory Theatre (13 Feb) sessions run by Dr Kim Brown of Nature Therapy CIC are designed to demonstrate the sensory deprivation experienced by someone with dementia. Dr Kim Brown said, "Visitors to the sensory theatre can learn what is happening to sense perception for those with dementia and what they can do to help."

In Other Words and the Sensory Theatre explore the topic of dementia rather than being specifically tailored for people with the condition unlike The Garden (18 Feb) which is an immersive performance for people with dementia. It creates a relaxing but engaging atmosphere where audience members travel through the seasons with the smell of springtime, the touch of summer, the taste of autumn and the feel of winter. Audiences can join in this interactive and non-verbal one- hour show.

The festival forms part of a wider initiative at the Havant arts centre as it aims to become a dementia-friendly venue, with staff undergoing dementia awareness training.

Additionally, The Spring is hosting a monthly dementia-friendly film in its theatre. The Forget-Me- Not series shows vintage films in a relaxed environment for those who might find a usual trip to the cinema more difficult.

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