All the Worlds a Stage

The talk is based on qualitative research carried out with four women living in long-term dementia care. Data from the study have been turned into a theatre piece and captured on film, which will be screened as part of the talk. In the course of the play, we see the four women - Eileen, Rita, Nora and Lil - say and do the kind of things that are often attributed simply to the progression of dementia. The play aims to open up a space for alternative explanations based on what we know about both the neuropsychology of dementia and the importance of life history awareness.

Alan Dix is 75 and the Artistic Director of Bradford based 509 Arts. With Professor Anne Graham he is creatively exploring the lived experience of his journey towards his eighth decade. Anne is a scientist who knows a lot about the theories of healthy ageing. Alan knows what ageing feels like. Together they will weave together the science and poetry of getting older and maybe help the audience predict their own lifespan. Come along and find out!