Derby theatre company 1623 whose mission is to “see Shakespeare differently” is undertaking a major project to explore King Lear in the context of dementia.
Three strands of research and participatory work will lead to a week of workshops at the company’s home, the QUAD arts centre, and a work-in-progress performance at Derby Theatre Studio in December.
Members of the public are invited to send 1623 creative digital responses to the phrase “Let me not be mad” which comes from act one scene five of the play.
Submissions will appear online in the form of an archive which will inspire 1623 associate artist Darius Powell to create a digital collage.
Over the next few months the company will hold workshops in dementia care homes. “Storyshaping artist” Julia Damassa and 1623 associate artist Jane Upton will visit homes across Derbyshire, working closely with staff, residents and their families to retell the story of King Lear.
The company will also be working with Emma Fitzpatrick, a postgraduate researcher from the University of Derby who specialises in the relationship between Shakespeare and mental-health issues.
She will interview dementia experts with a view to diagnosing King Lear and creating a care plan for him, as if he were a real person.
This research strand “will enable us to gather information on the various forms and stages of dementia and ensure that our work is well-informed with current expertise”.
After workshops at QUAD in December, 1623 will share its findings in a work-in-progress at a public scratch night at Derby Theatre Studio on Friday, 6 December.
Find out how to get involved at www.1623theatre.co.uk/participation/let-me-not-be-mad.