Exchanging Dreams is a beautifully constructed work built around the concept of two older friends reflecting on episodes in their lives and their friendship via song, dance and reminiscence.
The show was inspired by Annie’s Mother-in-law, Betty McCarthy, who was living with dementia. Her mood would completely change from distressed to elated when she sang and danced to her favourite songs and shared stories of ‘the old days’.
Jacqui and Annie decided that they wanted to ‘spread a little joy’ to other people living with dementia and so the idea to create a musical play built on reminiscence, was born.
"You got it perfect… what kind of memory you got….."
- Older Participant
Participant Quotes
‘It brought a tear to my eye.’
‘I loved the nurses; I was a nurse.’
‘They gave me wonderful memories of my childhood in Jamaica.’
‘I got a jaw ache from smiling all the time.’
‘You made my day in my winter years.’
‘I was crying, but left feeling so happy. Every song had a memory for me and it made me so emotional and I loved how you involved all of us. – thank-you so much.’
Volunteers, Carers and Staff observations of audience members
‘The residents reacted so positively to the images and objects.’
‘She was really upset this morning, but after your show she was as happy as anything.’
‘My client is completely non-verbal now, but she sang along to all your songs.’
‘The residents were all dancing, either in their seats, or those who could get up were dancing with the performers and volunteers.’
‘Absolutely wonderful and touching, it reminded me of my mother, I felt so emotional.’
JazAnne Arts
52 Market Square
Edmonton Green
London
N9 0TZ
JaZanne Arts
52 Market Square
Edmonton Green
London
N9 0TZ
JaZanne Arts
52 Market Square
Edmonton Green
London
N9 0TZ
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