A powerful and intimate exploration of love, memory and loss will take the stage at the Theatre Royal next week.
Award-winning play In Other Words is coming to Nelson for two performances on 21 and 22 May.
Presented by Figment Productions and written by UK playwright Matthew Seager, the play stars real-life couple Jennifer Ward-Lealand and Michael Hurst. They play Arthur and Jane, a devoted couple whose lifelong relationship is tested by the gradual onset of Alzheimer’s.
The production has received international critical acclaim, winning four Molière awards in France for its writing and its sensitive, respectful portrayal of dementia.
“It’s a really good script, especially for us as an actual married couple,” Michael says.
The acclaimed actor believes the play is more relevant than ever, with dementia cases increasing as people live longer, and with more people experiencing early onset symptoms at a younger age.
It also shines a light on those who are often overlooked.
“We’re also aware that it’s the carers that often feel unseen, and this play shows them in a clear and sympathetic light. It says things that we feel need to be said.”
Theatre Royal Nelson manager Eliane Polack says securing the production is significant for the venue.
“I think it is an interesting play because we all at least know someone who knows someone struggling with dementia, and it will resonate with a lot of people.
“It is also exciting because it is the first play we are presenting. We are usually only a venue for hire, but this has been a wonderful collaboration with Forsyth Barr investment advice, who have enabled us to take this play on.”
