Community and Connection

Dementia Monologues

Five films exploring personal experiences of dementia to improve awareness and understanding

The Dementia Monologues are a collection of five films created by playwright Fiona Evans in collaboration with Live Theatre that explore personal experiences of dementia. The films aim to raise awareness and understanding of the condition, and were made possible thanks to donations.

Fiona’s films, which were supported by the Maudsley Charity, show how you can tell stories that are very rich in what they contain but also in their potential to open up conversations and discussions.

Sparking debate about dementia

‘The monologues were developed as an educational tool to spark debate around dementia,’ says Fiona. ‘Each narrative is inspired by a real person, experience or story. So although the monologues highlight specific issues relating to dementia, I was keen to draw attention to the personal experiences of people affected by the disease, be they patients, carers, lovers, friends or family.’

The Dementia Monologues were directed by Live Theatre’s Artistic Director Max Roberts and were supported by discussions with some leading dementia care specialists in the North East and people working within the care industry.

“Rich potential to open up conversations”

David Blazey, Head of Grants at Maudsley Charity, says: ‘Fiona’s films show, in a very sophisticated way, how you can tell stories that are very rich in what they contain but also in their potential to open up conversations and discussions. The films are available online for anyone to view or use as an educational tool to increase understanding of the condition.

‘What makes the Dementia Monologues special is that they aren’t telling you what you should or shouldn’t do, they are just telling you as it is. What has been produced has been far greater than we imagined and I think Fiona and everyone who worked on the films should be congratulated.’

Watch the five Dementia Monologues below: