Sean Burnett Dugdale-Martin
In Other Words is UK writer Matthew Seager’s two-hander featuring real life couple Michael Hurst and Jennifer Ward-Lealand. It’s a story that has won multiple awards for its sensitive and respectful portrayal of Alzheimer’s. Entering into the Circa One stage the set is like a portal to a living room. It is set apart by darkness from the stage's walls a few meters back in every direction. Three lights are suspended above the set, two with lamp shades on, but one suspiciously uncovered.
When we’re young we can’t help but look back at our grandparents, usually down the maternal line, and look for clues. We wonder about childish things like when am I going to lose my hair or when am I going to get fat? When we’re further along we become perhaps a little embarrassed by these investigations and learn that neither of those are anything close to the death sentence we thought they were. Older still, we might learn more about the family's history of diagnosis. Or behaviours not diagnosed, but retrospectively acknowledged as something close to something that could be diagnosed. Now, when I think about getting older and look back at those that have come before me, I am a little afraid I will develop bipolar disorder.
In Other Words offers a glimpse of Alzheimer’s in the context of a long-time loving couple; Arthur and Jane. Played by Hurst and Ward-Lealand respectively, the actors bring a rapport to the performance that so comfortably comes from a real-life marriage. The ease of which they can touch or joke with each other elevates the production. They were so believably able to transition between shouting matches into the forgiven and forgiving because of the unmistakable knowledge and love for another that comes with living with them for years.
As their world starts to crack with the introduction of Arthurs Alzheimer’s, they make a concerted effort to help Arthur hold on to what he’s losing. The set, as I said before, was a recreation of these characters' living room. In specificity, that looks like a wide set of drawers with a record player on top, behind two simple arm chairs. Below these, however, was a circular short fur rug only about a meter or so in diameter, sitting centre stage. Outwards from that, the set sat atop two larger concentric ovals of wood linoleum, the outside being a darker shade than the inside. It looks like a great eye, looking up at the couple's life.
Jane, having to keep up with Arthurs deterioration, clings to anything he can remember as something to cherish. The minimalism of the set, the space between its edges and the walls of the theatre, and the evocative image of the pupil below, so beautifully actualises the theme of trying to look back on the life they shared, and enjoying old memories while they last.
The title, In Other Words, comes from the Frank Sinatra song. A song that brought the characters together when they first met and has been consistently played whenever Arthur has ever wanted to get away with something. Music and melodies, as studies have shown, can still be recalled much longer into the progression of Alzheimer’s because the cerebellum, where musical memories are processed, is affected later by the disorder. Later in the play we see the role shift from Arthur playing the song, to Jane teeing up Sinatra, as a way to soothe Arthur and bring him back to her, even after she has to wear a name tag.
In Other Words is a testament to love in the face of the inevitable. We will all get old, and it will be tough, but if you’re lucky you’ll have people that love you and who are willing to stick through the really tough bits. Arthur and Jane are so in love, and owe each other so much, that Jane is willing to be shouted at and forgotten by the person she loves in order to take care of him. Naturally, she wrestles with the big question of whether, as the person who knows Arthur best and who loves him the most, is it better to have them both suffer the slings and arrows, or…?
The piece ends with them continuing on together, finding moments to share where they can. In the face of such a huge, scary thing, Lealand brings a determination to her characters which is to be admired. Arthur is deteriorating, Jane takes care of him. It is difficult, but they are in love, and there is nothing more to it.
In Other Words is on until the 8th March and you should catch it if you can. More info here.
In Other Words offers a glimpse of Alzheimer’s in the context of a long-time loving couple; Arthur and Jane. Played by Hurst and Ward-Lealand respectively, the actors bring a rapport to the performance that so comfortably comes from a real-life marriage. The ease of which they can touch or joke with each other elevates the production. They were so believably able to transition between shouting matches into the forgiven and forgiving because of the unmistakable knowledge and love for another that comes with living with them for years.
As their world starts to crack with the introduction of Arthurs Alzheimer’s, they make a concerted effort to help Arthur hold on to what he’s losing. The set, as I said before, was a recreation of these characters' living room. In specificity, that looks like a wide set of drawers with a record player on top, behind two simple arm chairs. Below these, however, was a circular short fur rug only about a meter or so in diameter, sitting centre stage. Outwards from that, the set sat atop two larger concentric ovals of wood linoleum, the outside being a darker shade than the inside. It looks like a great eye, looking up at the couple's life.
Jane, having to keep up with Arthurs deterioration, clings to anything he can remember as something to cherish. The minimalism of the set, the space between its edges and the walls of the theatre, and the evocative image of the pupil below, so beautifully actualises the theme of trying to look back on the life they shared, and enjoying old memories while they last.
The title, In Other Words, comes from the Frank Sinatra song. A song that brought the characters together when they first met and has been consistently played whenever Arthur has ever wanted to get away with something. Music and melodies, as studies have shown, can still be recalled much longer into the progression of Alzheimer’s because the cerebellum, where musical memories are processed, is affected later by the disorder. Later in the play we see the role shift from Arthur playing the song, to Jane teeing up Sinatra, as a way to soothe Arthur and bring him back to her, even after she has to wear a name tag.
In Other Words is a testament to love in the face of the inevitable. We will all get old, and it will be tough, but if you’re lucky you’ll have people that love you and who are willing to stick through the really tough bits. Arthur and Jane are so in love, and owe each other so much, that Jane is willing to be shouted at and forgotten by the person she loves in order to take care of him. Naturally, she wrestles with the big question of whether, as the person who knows Arthur best and who loves him the most, is it better to have them both suffer the slings and arrows, or…?
The piece ends with them continuing on together, finding moments to share where they can. In the face of such a huge, scary thing, Lealand brings a determination to her characters which is to be admired. Arthur is deteriorating, Jane takes care of him. It is difficult, but they are in love, and there is nothing more to it.
In Other Words is on until the 8th March and you should catch it if you can. More info here.