Theater performance to explore Alzheimer’s experience Oct. 8th

Memory Matters will present The Dementia Man: An Existential Journey on Tuesday, Oct. 8th, from 10 a.m. to noon at Grace Community Church, 450 Spanish Wells Road. Admission is free with advance registration.

Written and performed by Samuel A. Simon, the one-man play offers a personal perspective on living with Alzheimer’s disease. Simon, who was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment in 2018 and early-stage Alzheimer’s in 2021, uses theater to share his experiences and raise awareness of the challenges faced by those with dementia.

Directed by Thadd McQuade with dramaturgy by Gabrielle Maisels, the production debuted at Washington, D.C.’s Capital Fringe Festival in 2023. It received the Dementia Arts Impact Award from the Dementia Spring Foundation that same year for its role in promoting understanding of neurocognitive conditions.

The autobiographical play explores questions of identity, purpose and healthcare through Simon’s story. He draws on a varied career that began as a lawyer with Ralph Nader’s first advocacy group and later included work as a national public affairs leader with appearances on programs such as Face the Nation, Good Morning America and The Phil Donahue Show.

Simon said his goal is to break stigma and create empathy. The performance has been described by critics as candid and compelling, offering audiences both education and emotional resonance.

Following the Hilton Head performance, Simon and his wife, Susan, will take part in a live question-and-answer session.

Registration is available at www. mymemorymatters.org/events. More information about the production is available at dementiaman.com