I was apprehensive about going to the show because dementia always seems to be shown in a scarey or negative way.
Not using words in Finding Joy was great, because it made the play accessible through not having to following words. The pressure was off in following a plot. When I said I would go to the play I hadn’t realised there would not be any words, but then again I didn’t expect such good expression by movement by the cast, who were brilliant.
Once I had got over the fact that the grandson looked like Noel Fielding . . . .
The acting was superb and made up for no words, which was remarkable as there were fixed expressions on the characters faces.
Finding Joy is so sincere and funny. I particularly liked the segment where Joy and the boys were trying to watch the football on the TV, and I completely understood the frustration at various levels.
The play was lovely and gentle; it had pathos, was filled with love. It is a sensitively written piece that understands the situation well of people living with dementia and their myriad experiences, as well as their family.
The reality of how difficult it is is apparent, with loved ones (like Joy’s daughter) becoming worn out by needs and demands.
Joy played around with others showing cognisance of what she was doing, taking a different tack to societal expectations of people with dementia.
When Joy got lost, I got anxious on her behalf – whether in the traffic or other places.
The characterful depiction of the consultant taking Joy’s situation was extremely funny. We also liked the stroppy nurse.
Finding Joy reflects how it is to the audience; and equally shows how much people living with dementia are loved by relatives and others. And people seek to do their best for them!
I thought the grandson was a real star – the role he played in grandma Joy’s life.
Finding Joy . . Did not belittle situations and showed the love that came across from the grandson and his friend. He came across as a lovely, lovely bloke. You see the reality when someone is caring for someone else – people’s frustrations – the desire to do things well . . . but it is really hard.
It was an empathetic showing an amazing understanding.
I found the masks to be real works of art and would have loved to have the opportunity to touch and examine more carefully the items used in the play.
The music of Trombone/retro/50s/rap complimented the show and what it wanted to get across through their use by the actors.
Length of the play kept us engaged and didn’t go on/exaggerate. It took us along on the journey.
It is a play that I would want to go and see again. The Artrix I am sure is a good venue, but not necessarily for this particular play – quite dark, from the car park to the auditorium . And although the loos are well signposted, the cubicles inside and lighting are less so.
Joy was doing naughtiness – and knowing what she was doing, which isn’t always how PLWD are depicted . . . or are/seen to be. Joy was making a point now and then, that feelings matter. This was definitely not a wringing of hands play and offers the audience a changed and challenging perspective on how living with dementia can be. The question and answer session post performance was not necessarily lined up as accessible for all, as it would have been quite nice to meet Joy.
Finding Joy was authentic – depicting the nature of what happens in people’s lives who are both living with dementia and living with people living with dementia! I came away having been uplifted. I chortled the whole way through. I loved the whole thing!
Mhari and Hugh