The Circus comes to Broadmead, but Zaza needs help!
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Bringing the wonder and joy of therapeutic theater into the lives of Broadmead’s residents is a true gift to the Magical Experiences Arts Company. Knowing that the residents, who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s / dementia respond so positively to the MEAC methods makes this ground-breaking residency so special.
In September Ms. Joanne had the opportunity to perform in Tubman, where six residents were brought into the living room area by nursing staff and Ms. Laurie, a member of the Activities team. First, they witnessed the setting up of the theater space, and then to participate in MEAC’s beloved Play, ‘On a Wing & a Prayer’. The residents, even before the show began, were excited about the red velvet Victorian costume, the multi-colored silk backdrop and the circus tent displayed at center. As the music filled the air, and Ms. Joanne’s character, Zaza, begins to dance, our six Ladies watch each step and sway to the music. Narrative is spoken clearly, especially as masks are still required to be worn in nursing homes, and so we are introduced to the remarkable tale of a child born with wings in 1850. At first, discovery of others is joyful, counting fingers, hands, feet – the same! And then the despair of being captured and enclosed in a circus cage.
Touch is as gentle as it can be with our seniors, knowing that they are prone to weakness in the muscles and joints, skin is also tender. The artist must be completely tuned in and intuitive to each resident’s needs: how much touch is appropriate; how long do they require the artist to be with them? Those that are verbal, gently speak to Zaza, an interest in her well-being evident when she is forced to perform in the circus by Lady Belfont. Holding hands, requesting help, each resident desperately tries to seek ways in which to calm and comfort the child. “Tell me what I can do to help?” speaks one resident, now responsibility and care of another human being is offered to those, who because of the Alzheimer’s find themselves needing care 24/7. As the artist moves around the room, telling the story, rich in emotions, the residents react, focused and interested. If sleep overcomes them, it is only brief, broken when an awareness of Zaza’s presence and request for connection. Our Play brings us to a conclusion of liberation from captivity and an acknowledgement of ‘uniqueness’ rather than difference.
What is extra special about this session of MEAC at Broadmead, actually happens when the show is complete. The nurses leave the residents in the living room as Ms. Joanne begins to take down the theater set and put On a Wing & a Prayer away. On previous occasions, residents are taken to the dining area where lunch is served. Two residents, both mobile, stand up and relay to Joanne that they want to help clean up. The circus cage, a large appliqued cloth is handed to the Ladies to fold. Cognitively they seem confused about how to do this task. Sensitively and with support Joanne joins them, guiding them one stage at a time in the folding. The prop is folded and the residents seem so pleased that they helped. A nurse, who is watching, voices her amazement and pleasure at seeing this interaction. They continue to want to help, and turn their attention to the backdrop. Again Ms. Joanne helps them, this time to roll it into a big ball. These may seem like simple acts we all do every day, but for an individual coping with physical and cognitive challenges, folding and helping is akin to climbing a steep mountain. The whole morning experience provided empowerment for a population that still has so much to contribute to their communities. The six lovely Ladies freed Zaza from Belfont’s cruelty, and then they took care of Ms. Joanne as she gave them back their living space. A very special morning indeed!