The Nature of Forgetting
About the show
Through intricate choreography and a cinematic live musical score, London-based Theatre Re creates a narrative of heartwarming humanity. More…
Flying downhill on a bicycle. Whispering with a sweetheart. Wedding toasts and first dances. When the past begins to dissolve for Tom, a father experiencing early onset dementia, happy childhood moments collide with momentous adult milestones in tangled threads of memory.
"Within an eventful and captivating 75-minutes, Theatre Re’s production also packs in an awful lot in terms of plot and onstage physical activity, ensuring maximum engagement throughout...Performed with astounding precision and flair by a tight ensemble of just four – in addition to a couple of fabulous live musicians – the near wordless production comes together poignantly, thanks to director Guillaume Pigé’s rich, seamless work...It’s just plain gorgeous theater-making." Full Review
“An uncommonly lovely and poignant work that somehow succeeds in viewing and illuminating dementia through an affirmative lens...A wonderfully vibrant music-movement-theater piece that relates a story not so much about memory loss, but about what still manages to remain alive inside somebody’s mind...The acute yet easy physicality of the performers, several of whom also play instruments, is impressive.” Full Review
for a previous production "During the entire show, there are minimum props used and because there are only four actors performing...It was a unique experience to see this type of performance and make my own interpretation. It truly gave the impression that theatre can be expressed through diverse medium, not only verbally...Every minute, every second, I held my breath, truly captivated by the movements of the actors and live music by the band. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience." Full Review
for a previous production "'The Nature Of Forgetting' oozes with such powerful memories of a simplistic upbringing, complete with friends and love and life in all its magnificent glory...A true ensemble piece, each character contributing to the overall picture of joy, laughter and loss. Its premise is both exquisitely simple and inherently complex, a concept that is reflected in both the narrative and the execution...It’s a gradual, unstoppable force that affects from within." Full Review
for a previous production "The most remarkable aspect of Theatre Re’s show, conceived, directed by and starring Guillaume Pigé, is the impressive understanding of the nature of memory and ability to present its complexity in a touching story...There is a charming feeling of lightness to much of the production...With very little audible dialogue, the four-strong cast represent a multitude of characters and time periods extremely effectively...A show to remember." Full Review
for a previous production "It's a discursive, furtive piece from Theatre Re, and the physical theatre ensemble do create some moments of wonder...The company move, articulate, and perform as one. It's startling to behold. But as vibrantly exciting as it is to watch, the conceptual exploration only goes so far, and while the repetitive strains of Tom's memories, are brilliantly performed, the play ends up more cyclical...A thoughtful piece, aided by some faultless synchronicity and performance." Full Review
for a previous production "Through a series of intense physical sequences, primarily made up of a theatrical dialogue spanning the intersection of mime and physical theatre...'The Nature of Forgetting' is nothing short of fast-paced, and its ensemble of performers must be commended for their relentless energy...Relentless as the cast may be in their output of energy, there’s physically nowhere left for them to go after the first twenty minutes of the piece." Full Review
See it if you want to see something completely different and magically done. The story is beautifully told through choreography, music, and props.
Don't see it if you don't like to figure out what is going on and prefer straightforward shows. It may get confusing for some.
Also It is unlike anything I have seen on Broadway. It is powerful, heartbr... Read more Read less
See it if you appreciate a very well put together story about the illness of dementia. Done mainly with mime and music, this is a masterful portrayal.
Don't see it if you do not like the subject of dementia or Altheimers. This is a very visual and physical production for the actors.
Also This was done in the New Victory theater which is mainly for children.... Read more Read less
See it if love creative and touching stories told through text and inspiring movement. It was beautifully conceived and staged captured my heart!
Don't see it if you find plays about dementia and memory loss difficult.
See it if you can appreciate a moving choreographed story about one person's efforts to stay mentally connected.
Don't see it if you have no experience w/dementia or care enough to see a performance that astutely depicts the scary happenings w/in one man’s fading mind.
Also The subject matter is a difficult one and it was conveyed masterfully,... Read more Read less
See it if You like creative mime, movement, and music which reveal the fragmented world of memories for a man w/ early dimentia.
Don't see it if You need a lot of dialogue in a conventional context.
See it if you like dance movement and stories told in alternate ways (e.g. non-dialogue). The music and choreography are incredible.
Don't see it if you want a traditional dialogue show. But you're selling yourself short if you miss this.
See it if a quick stylized version of a person who's suffering mental loss - but yet accessible to all audiences - even the kids were quiet
Don't see it if more of scenes, ideas and not full fleshed out story/dialogue which may not be for everyone
See it if you are thrilled and moved by spectacular physicality and complex, intense music.
Don't see it if you are prone to sensory overload. Despite the New Victory setting, it's not for real little kids.
Also I was brought to this by someone who saw it at the Edinburgh Fringe an... Read more Read less
See it if Very different shows interest you. Not much dialogue so sometimes hard to follow the story.
Don't see it if The music is loud and chaotic but portrays the mind of alzheimer’s patient.. If you need dialogue to follow then this is not show for you.
See it if you enjoy interpretive dance, or you have a loved one with memory loss/dementia and would appreciate art sympathetic to the situation.
Don't see it if you are looking for a cohesive, profound depiction of dementia. It's too diffuse & choppy and didn't make me feel like I was in his mind.
Also Well-meaning but ultimately not that moving and doesn't create enough ... Read more Read less
See it if Are curious how a mid-age man w memory probs might see the snapshots of his life. Few spoken words-mime, choreography repeats and repeats.
Don't see it if Under 12, hate intense music/lighting, are unable to watch depictions of dementia, want a trad'l play, not ok with staging that confuses.
See it if you're a VERY patient adult, fascinated by dementia. Repetitive sequences (desks/chairs moved on-and-off constantly). Music loud/agitating.
Don't see it if you get bored. Upsetting and scary (Tom hurts daughter). Charming moments, but too few and far between. All white cast/band. Few words.
See it if you enjoy theater that should affect all ages. Physical theater at its best.
Don't see it if you require dialogue.
Cast & Creatives
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