Dementia and acting don't go together?
Not at all! The illustrious "Vergissmeinnicht" group proves that people with cognitive impairments can also act on stage. Because there is no script here, the players develop the plot themselves.
"It's about joy, creativity and community experience. But under no circumstances should people be presented with their illness," explains Eva Bittner, Director of the Theater of Experience.
Improvisation and creativity instead of a script
With the help of a little improvisation, other actors help those with cognitive impairments, such as 85-year-old Heinz or former opera singer Katie, back into the action again and again. She is thrilled that she is allowed to be on stage once again and finds that she can:
The fact that we old people still have so much strength, that we do things together and enjoy each other through music and movement ... that's wonderful.
This year, the Theater der Erfahrungen, which unites three other amateur drama groups with people aged 50 and over under its roof, has been nominated for the German Commitment Award. The "Vergissmeinnicht" project was supported by the German Television Lottery with 39,560 euros.
You can read the full report on the "Vergissmeinnicht" theater group here. Other projects supported by the social lottery can be found at www.du-bist-ein-gewinn.de.