Cracked - Alzheimer’s Association International Conference

Cracked: new light on dementia is an innovative research-based theatre production that raises important questions about the dominant ‘tragic’ ways persons with dementia are understood and treated in our society. Inspired in part by Leonard Cohen’s words in Anthem, the play is intended to inspire alternative ways of seeing persons with dementia as vital human beings with agency and possibility. Filled with poignancy, honesty and humour, Cracked calls each of us to reflect on the role we play in the lives of persons living with dementia.

Cracked follows persons with dementia and their families on their unique journeys with dementia, from diagnosis through to their new lives in a long-term care home. The families grapple with what the diagnosis means, if and how the diagnosis changes their relationships and how they struggle to be with each other in the present where the persons with dementia call them to be.

Cracked is based on research conducted by Drs. Sherry Dupuis, Gail Mitchell, Pia Kontos, and Christine Jonas-Simpson, all of whom are health researchers who specialize in the areas of aging, dementia, and research-based drama. The play was developed collaboratively by a group of artists, the researchers, persons living with dementia and their family members. Cracked is grounded in the idea that relationships must be front and centre when providing care for persons with dementia, memory in all of its forms must be valorized, self-expression must be nurtured, and the humanity and full citizenship of persons who are living with dementia must be fully supported. This perspective is in contrast with the dehumanizing care practices that still prevail in many dementia care settings.