The Nature of Forgetting

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 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. I really would not recommend this show for very young children.For older children, discuss the illness with them before they go to the theater so they can really understand what is being portrayed. Very touching, especially the ending.... 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 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 like a show with lots of choreography...

Don't see it if you don't like shows that have themes about dementia...

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, all without the benefit of any real dialogue. Each performer was charged with the task of being a memory within a fading mind. They flowed about the stage as snippets of fractured memories of people at various points within a life. The show depicts one man's struggle to stay on track with one simple task, only to be swept away by these fleeting memories that race in, then slip away.

At a point during the performance I was sniffling, only to realize I was crying. The show concluded with the utterance of a single word from this man to his daughter - her name - and I was moved beyond words. If you've no experience with dementia you may not fully appreciate this show. However, I strongly encourage you to see it anyway. It really is masterful.... 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 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 and was so taken with it that he insisted I came in knowing nothing about it. That was definitely the way to do it, as watching it unfold naturally was quite beautiful. The story is done almost entirely in pantomime and dance. Essentially the story is about dementia and Alzheimer's, but the action takes place inside the head of a man struggling to grasp the memories of his past. For the most part, the piece is stunning. The live music performed provides a gorgeous backdrop for the piece. I do think that some of the movement and scenes can be a bit repetitive. There are only a few props and set pieces and they get re-used a lot, so it can sometimes be hard to decipher what the scene you're watching is about. It can be a bit abstract, but that's also what makes it so beautiful at times. This is probably a little too dense and confusing for real little kids but I recommend it for anyone interested in wordless storytelling... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see great choreography and innovative/creative story telling.

Don't see it if you have no imagination or patience. This is definitely "outside of the box".

Also Innovative and creative show about what goes on inside the mind of someone with dementia. Outstanding choreography and deeply moving story-telling via dance and movement (very little spoken word). There was also an insightful talk-back after the show with the cast and creator of the show. Wonderful!... Read more Read less

See it if you like challenging theater that is still accessible.

Don't see it if you prefer your theater linear.

Also I cannot think of the last time I was so enthralled by a work of performance art. Although nominally about early on-set dementia, it is really about memory and memories. On a small stage with minimal props and costumes, the talented actors re-create someone's life from public school until his 55th birthday - in 85 minutes. The live music and sound effects perfectly enhance the story telling. A MUST SEE... 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 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, heartbreaking, and repetitive in the best way possible. Every single aspect of this show is done so precisely and perfectly from the sequence of events, to the blocking, to the music, even to the costume and lighting design. It really is a masterpiece.... 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 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 of a through-line story wise to completely engage viewer. You may find your attention lagging.... Read more Read less

See it if you like non-verbal, beautiful, moving physical-theatrical pieces

Don't see it if you want something traditional and language-driven

See it if you enjoy theater that should affect all ages. Physical theater at its best.

Don't see it if you require dialogue.