{IN}TANGIBLE

{IN}TANGIBLE is a new play that blends theater and circus arts to show what it feels like to live with Dementia. Written by Brianna Kalisch and directed by Felicity Hesed, in partnership with the Dementia Society of America, {IN}TANGIBLE was presented from August 8th to 11th, 2024, in celebration of the Dementia Society's 10th anniversary.

What Happens in the Play

• Meet Q: Q is an older woman living in a care home who has Dementia. In the story, she is visited by her memories and her family. But because of her Dementia, Q can't always tell what's real and what's not.

• Memories Come Alive: The past comes alive on stage—like juggling glow-in-the-dark balls, spinning plates, stilts, trapeze, jump ropes, and aerial silks. These acts represent Q's happy memories with loved ones.

• Emotions Are Mixed: We see Q in moments of feeling lost, panicked, or confused. At times, she is joyful and calm. Her family—played by the same actors—switches between caring for her in the present and being memories from her past.

Why Circus Makes the Story Strong

• Beyond Words: Circus routines fill in what words can't express. The director, Felicity Hesed, believes circus performance lets the audience feel Q's memories—even when she can't speak.

• Memories in Motion: The circus space illustrates how memories can feel overwhelming and complex. A trampoline might become a happy childhood memory; stilts can show how small Q feels in her present life.

• A Visual Mix of Past and Present: When reality and memory overlap, the stage transforms. Circus acts, spoken lines, lighting, and music work together to guide the audience through the shifts in Q's mind.

Why {IN}TANGIBLE Matters

• An Accurate Take on Dementia. The Dementia Society of America praised the play as "an accurate portrayal of Dementia" that feels both "moving" and "joyful." 

• A Blend of Hope and Connection. The play explores the pain of memory loss and also celebrates love, family, and moments of joy. It shows Dementia isn't just scary—it's full of moments that still matter.

• A New Way to Tell a Story. This play is part of a growing trend in Dementia-friendly theater. These performances incorporate creative storytelling tools—such as circus—to help people understand and feel what living with Dementia can be like.

Who Made It Happen

• Brianna Kalisch – Writer and actor. She based the story partly on watching her grandmother with Dementia.

• Felicity Hesed – Director. She carefully blends circus movement with emotional drama, making the story feel authentic and genuine. 

• The Cast – Six actors, including Cynthia Shaw as Q, switch roles between family members in the past and caregivers in the present.

• Creative Team – Circus design by Evan Tomlinson Weintraub, music by Ruby Fulton and Allison Clendaniel, and lighting and sound that bring the story to life.

In Short: A Play That Speaks to the Heart

{IN}TANGIBLE is a unique and powerful play. It uses circus and storytelling to show what Dementia feels like—confusion, loss, love, memory, and meaning. It reminds us that even when words fail, life's memories and feelings are real and vital.

By weaving together movement, visuals, and emotion, {IN}TANGIBLE creates a warm, honest portrayal of Dementia. It helps audiences feel a sense of compassion, belonging, and understanding.

For those interested in bringing this play to their community for an exclusive, limited engagement, please get in touch with the Dementia Society of America.

Author:  Human Staff Researcher and Writer, AI-Assisted

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We do not endorse or guarantee products, comments, suggestions, links, or other forms of content contained within blog posts that have been provided to us with permission, paid or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice. Please consult your doctor. www.DementiaSociety.org