Butterfly Psyche Theatre’s new play The Persistence of Memory examines these and other questions while gently exploring the delicate human condition through our dependence on memory and its creation of our identity.
The Persistence of Memory tells the story of Dante DeLucca, an ageing classics professor. He and his daughter, Iphee, must come to terms with his fading memory and how it will change their relationship. But they are not alone: with the unlikely appearance of Mneme, the Muse of Memory, father and daughter find the strength to make the transition together.
The Persistence of Memory is directed by Nancy Medina. Medina is a Bristol Old Vic Drama Directing MA student and Artistic Director of Corner Theatre. She previously directed Butterfly Psyche’s production Bike (“One of the best pieces of theatre I’ve seen this year,” WhatsOnStage review of Bike, 2012).
Medina says, “I am thrilled to be a part of this production. The script is beautifully written and explorative with characters to believe in and care about. I dare anyone to NOT relate to this material in some way.”
Dante’s story is a universal one that is becoming more and more common. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, there are over 800,000 people living with Dementia or severe memory loss in the UK. In order to develop the script, theatre practitioner and playwright, Alison Farina, sought advice from Carers living with and caring for loved ones suffering from Dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Medina’s work has been produced and commissioned in Bath, Bristol, Leeds and the Isle of Man, with her most recent work making up part of the exciting programme of new plays produced by Roughhouse Theatre’s 24 Hour Plays project this past July at The Rondo Theatre in Bath.
The Persistence of Memory runs 10-14 September 2013 at Bristol’s Alma Tavern Theatre and Bath’s Rondo Theatre 20 & 21 of September 2013.
– Shane Morgan
