The Penelope Project: Redefining age and memory loss
Over the last month, I’ve spoken with caregivers, doctors, and advocates all working toward better understanding and coping with Alzheimer’s Disease. Through these conversations, I was connected with Anne Basting, Director of UWM’s Center on Age & Community (CAC), who is also an Associate Professor of Theatre at the Peck School of the Arts.
“[We’re] using the story of Penelope to inspire, and improve the quality of life of people who work, visit, and live at Luther Manor,” says Basting.
A collaboration between the CAC, the UWM Theatre Department, Luther Manor and Sojourn Theatre, Penelope is a multi-tiered project that’s been developed over the past three years. Students, professional actors, caregivers and the staff and residents of Luther Manor have spent a year researching the story of Penelope, making connections to daily life, and exploring that tale through song and dance.
The project culminates with the performance of Finding Penelope, a professionally produced play that will take place entirely within the facilities at Luther Manor.
Listen to my conversation with Anne Basting to learn more:
(Windows Media Player)
(Quicktime)
You can follow the progress on the Penelope Project blog, or by visiting the CAC online. Subscribe to Backstage with Mark Metcalf through iTunes here.
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