11 May 2011
Later this month, the award-winning Torch Theatre Company will bring a powerful performance to Blackwood Miners' Institute, bravely highlighting the issue of dementia and its effect on the wider family.
Flowers From Tunisia, written by Laurence Allan, comes to Blackwood Miners' Institute on Thursday 19th May, beginning at 7.30pm.
The story begins – Reah has early onset dementia, so when she announces to her son Keith that she is marrying a seventeen year old flower seller from Tunisia, what should she do?
Author of Flowers From Tunisia, Laurence Allan said, "I know the dementia issue in the play is a delicate one and the natural impulse is to shy away from it. Even though I never wanted to make it a central issue, it became the reason why people who have been touched by dementia and have already seen it - wanted to see it again.
My mother, who inspired the play, died recently and I delivered this eulogy to her. Most of the congregation felt it was something I should get committed to print."
Flowers From Tunisia is a delightful, touching and thoroughly absorbing play. Charmingly humorous with some laugh out loud moments, it is a sad yet heart-warming and life affirming story - a reassuring tale of love, friendship, understanding and misunderstanding, and the amazing human ability to find humour in adversity.
Directed by Simon Harris and designed by Joana Ferrao, Flowers From Tunisia is supported by the Alzheimer's Society.
"...Warmly affectionate... there are tears behind all the laughter...intelligent but brave and moving..." Western Mail.
Tickets cost £12 and £10 for concessions, and Flowers From Tunisia is suitable for people aged 14+.
To order your tickets, please call Blackwood Miners' Institute's Box Office on 01495 227 206 or visit www.blackwoodminersinstitute.com
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