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Dementia Man, An Existential Journey is the second play created and produced by The Actual Dance, LLC.
Sam Simon was diagnosed in 2018 with Mild-Cognitive Impairment and in 2021 with Early-Stage Alzheimer's. He is currently under medical treatment and a participant in a drug trial. He has brought together his experience with his first play, The Actual Dance, as a vehicle for reaching those going through the disease, a history as a leader in the American Disability Community, and new life experience engaged with dementia to develop what he hopes will be a dramatic statement on the possibility of productive life after such a diagnosis. His first effort was a 20-minute showcase which was performed in New York as part of the 2023 Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) conference. It was subsequently presented during Ground Rounds at the Center for Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care, and Bioethics and Stonybrook Medical Center in New York. |
Learn more at dementiaman.com
PRESS HITS & AUDIENCE REVIEWS
"As he considers these possibilities, his story comes to life so vividly that one almost forgets there is one man on stage with a script. Sam’s story offers a raw, unfiltered view into the challenges one faces when beginning to lose cognition, including the fear of the unknown; the urgency of the decisions that have to be made; and the tribulations of navigating a broken healthcare system all while balancing the desire to live a full life, a comfortable life, and a life of service to others."
- Broadway World
"Very touching and compelling, I was riveted."
"You have a charm that shines from the stage and makes us feel welcome"
"This is a very important piece!!!"
"I loved the complete unpredictability of the show. ... It's an unprecedented theatrical experience to hear Sam's story..."
"Congratulations to Sam Simon on his brilliantly conceived new work! All were in agreement on the vital importance of this message. A unique first-hand account from a charismatic storyteller."
Click here to read additional reviews and audience feedback.
"As he considers these possibilities, his story comes to life so vividly that one almost forgets there is one man on stage with a script. Sam’s story offers a raw, unfiltered view into the challenges one faces when beginning to lose cognition, including the fear of the unknown; the urgency of the decisions that have to be made; and the tribulations of navigating a broken healthcare system all while balancing the desire to live a full life, a comfortable life, and a life of service to others."
- Broadway World
"Very touching and compelling, I was riveted."
"You have a charm that shines from the stage and makes us feel welcome"
"This is a very important piece!!!"
"I loved the complete unpredictability of the show. ... It's an unprecedented theatrical experience to hear Sam's story..."
"Congratulations to Sam Simon on his brilliantly conceived new work! All were in agreement on the vital importance of this message. A unique first-hand account from a charismatic storyteller."
Click here to read additional reviews and audience feedback.
