The Keys Are In the Margarine

Arts on Tour NZ in association with Brain Research New Zealand presents:
The Keys are in the Margarine – a verbatim play about dementia.

Today, more than 60,000 New Zealanders live with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia – a number that is expected to triple by 2050. It is a condition none of us can ignore.

Profound and enlightening, The Keys in the Margarine is a unique form of stagecraft, created from interviews with people with direct experience of the disease - caregivers, family members, doctors, and support workers.

In performance, actors re-present the edited testimony from those interviews. With the audio playing in their ears, they relay the original words and how those words are spoken - every vocal inflection, intonation, and hesitation, every physical gesture and facial expression.

Their stories communicate the all-encompassing effect dementia has on the lives of people living with the disease and the lives of everyone around them.

The Keys in the Margarine interweaves hilarity with heartbreak to poignant effect, while providing deep insights on what it means to be human. ‘Verbatim’ or ‘documentary’ theatre is real, mesmerising, and truthful.

“…deeply absorbing theatre.” - John Smythe, Theatreview

“The work that has gone into the composition of this production deserve the highest of praise. The actors are phenomenal. Their grace and courage is astounding, as is that of the interviewees. Their efforts have resulted in a thoroughly moving production that raises vital and accessible awareness of dementia.” – Madelaine Empson, Regional News Wellington

“…a moving and inspiring theatre experience. Highly recommended.” – Brenda Harwood, The Star

Book: Purchase tickets at the Library or on line at www.trybooking.com