(previously known as "Heal Thyself")

Reviews

"Life at its most naked 
exposing the resentment and confusion that can overwhelm the most loving caregivers    
 
... the actors escape gravity"   
 
- Michael Evans, SEE Magazine

 

--> ThursdayAugust 25
  Edmonton Journal
 
18°
Partly cloudy
 
Experimental Gamble Pays Off
Tale zeroes in on the simple fears that haunt us all
 
Rick McConnell


...
 I have seen the light, or at the very least I've had the
pleasure of watching two smart and very talented people use a stage and a few simple props to lay open their hearts and share their secrets, their deepest fears, their most fervent hopes.  I've seen them dance on crutches and writhe on the floor like snakes.  I've listened to their stories, and learned something about my own.

I did not expect this.

What Jonathon Neville and Carlynn Reed have written is certainly experimental. It's a performance piece about their own lives, but it is really about all of us. ... 

heartbreaking ... uplifting.

The hope they discover allows the rest of us to think, yes, isn't that what we're all capable of? 

For the complete article, click:

© The Edmonton Journal

 
Copyright © CanWest Interactive Inc. All rights reserved.
CanWest Interactive Inc. is an affiliate of CanWest Global Communications Corp.

 

"heavy subject matter ... light and entertaining ... powerful"
- Phil Dupperon, VUE Weekly 

  

Is it good?

"I was too moved and astonished and raw after the curtain to stay
but I want you to know how good and necessary you are."
 - Robin Haggerty, C.A.L.M.

"The best thing I've done all year." - Judith Amundson

"I left the theatre with a lightness I have not felt for a long time. ... a support group focused on your play would be so much more healing and awakening than a LOT of other groups I have been to." - Linda Thornton, caregiver 

"The rain was horrendous - and a nightmare to get my husband around in - but the answers to my questions about why I was bothering became abundantly clear." - Cindy Pock, Calgary

"When I try to describe what I saw, I get chills. We were in awe."
- Sharon Watts, Ministry of Community and Social Services

"Intensely personal..., it explored both the limits and potential of art... 
It was at turns hilarious and heart-wrenching." - Eva MacDonald

"I was deeply moved, riveted at times, surprised often, and delighted overall. ... 
My own private miracle unfolded on stage before me. ... Sheer brilliance. "
- David Jan Jurasek, MFA, RDT, CCC

"The honesty was mind-blowing.
You had me crying and laughing at the same time. ...
so revealing and so touching ... so much spoke deeply to me."

- Barbara Sauvé, RN

"Profound is an over-used word, but this was profound. 
You saw it in the response of the audience. And you felt it in yourself."

- Keitha Lamey, Special Needs Educator, TDSB

“I saw 22 shows - only yours made me cry" - Chloe Whitehorn, Best of Fest winner


“I have no connection to caregiving, but I connected more with this show than any other" 

- Lara Masterson


"The highlight of the festival" - Barrie Edwards

  

 

“It continues to inspire important conversation" - Angela Bischoff, Toronto

"You gave me a great gift." - Katie Binnersley

But what do caregiving pros think?

"Brilliant - I was totally enthralled - you have a very important play here.  
I can't wait to see it again." 

- Joan Barrington, Hospital for Sick Children, Director, Therapeutic Arts Program 

"Every caregiver both professional and informal should see this." 
- Peta Collings, Manager of Volunteers, Agapé Hospice, Calgary

"Helps us all." - Dale Goldhawkthen-President, Alzheimer Society of Canada

"The play prompts and enables people to talk about issues most of us avoid. 
The dialogue and action are emblazoned in my mind - 
the scenes give a focus and freedom for families to discuss difficult questions."
- Tashana Thomas, Co-ordinator Support & Counselling, CANES Home Support Services

"provides the deepest experience of the caregiver's life"
- Audrey Miller MSW, RSW, CCRC, President, Elder Caring Inc./Soins Elder Caring

"Excellent - a real roller coaster of emotions. Thanks so much."
- Dan McGale, Executive Director, S.C.A.P.D. -- Simcoe County Assoc. for the Physically Disabled

"An extraordinarily accurate and penetrating portrayal ... Tremendous wit and tenderness... 
brought tears to not only myself, but each of my four friends."

- Stephen Douglas, Psychotherapist

"We look forward to using it to educate professionals and support caregivers across Canada." 
– Jane McCarthy, A.L.S. Society Canada, Director of Services & Education

"What a great start to the conference!"
"Thank you for opening my eyes"
"Every moment was surprising yet perfect"
"It elevated my life to art - I am living my life on your storyline"
- Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy, conference feedback
 
"Excellent - very intelligently written; brilliantly performed" 
- Barbara Perry, Regional Coordinator, Alberta Association of Registered Nurses

 "You give everyone new hope." - Barb Beecroft, Leisureworld Director of Nursing

 "Let’s Play House gripped me throughout the show... Even now!"  
- Roy Bedford, Regional Director, Alzheimer's Society of Alberta

"I saw it on a whim and will be ever-grateful I did."
- Melinha Denholme, social worker, BC Forensic Psychiatric Service


And the Media?

"Heavy subject ... 
light and entertaining ... 
powerful"
 
- VUE Weekly

"haunting"
- Paula Citron, Classical 96.3
"I did not expect this"
4.5 stars 
Edmonton Journal
"Among the bravest stage productions I've seen. ...
Life at its most naked... 
the actors escape gravity." 
SEE Magazine

"not a dull moment"
- Mooney On Theatre



Strangers wait to engage us after every show - with wildly enthusiastic and deeply personal feedback:

- (see "Is It Good?" in white box above, plus the following)
- "so inspiring... The first time I saw it I was seeing myself. This time I was aware how it can be so powerful to so many. ... I was sobbing." - Diana Groenendijk
- "You make me want to be an actor – to have the effect you do." - Victoria Haist, RDT, Crisis Counsellor
- "Really helpful." - John Newton
- "You had me whole - I was crying half the show" - Yevgeny Liokumovich
- "So many layers." - Lesia Deacon (2nd viewing)
- "plants seeds on so many levels" - Beth Ander
- "I cried several times. I loved it! ... Very funny!" - Mariana Yante
- "fabulous ... amazing" - Karen Kaeja, Kaeja d'Dance
- "exquisite - so powerful" - Audrey Miller (2nd viewing)
- "I was struck by love. And self-compassion. This needs to be seen. How can I get a copy?" - Phei Phei Oon, therapist
- "Deeply exhilarating ...  Painfully, wondrously real." - Cynthia Croker, Motus O Dance Theatre
- "Absolutely awesome ... ruthless love ... VERY insightful"  - Cynthia Croker (2nd viewing), Motus O
- "I have no connection to caregiving, but I connected more with this show than any other." - Lara Masterson
- "Excellent - very emotional and close to the bone, yet funny - moving." - Shelley McVea
- "Divinely inspired!" - Alexa Kinney


Several sent emails in the following days
trying to express what they felt with greater accuracy and detail. See the box "Is it good?" above, plus:

bullet I manage the volunteers at Agapé Hospice and I tell them that if they can be in touch with their own vulnerability, then they will be at least half-way safe to be around.  Every caregiver both professional and informal should see this.   Health Regions could use a little boost as far as their Education programs go.  Have you thought of connecting with University students in both dance and medical professions?  Have you connected with Alzheimers etc?  ... Your play was very spiritual for me. You are showing the way to new ways of being.
- Peta Collings, Agapé Hospice, Calgary
bullet The next several days I kept seeing and hearing images that connected. ... It is not just for caregivers. ... I have seen my mother and four siblings and patients in my medical practice... The fear of being rejected and ostracized by friends and families often keeps Alzheimer patients from discussing their difficulties and sharing their fears. ... I'm very impressed with the thought and energy and talent that has gone into this performance.  More power to you.
Could therapeutic dance and support groups become a product of "Heal Thyself"?
- Dr. Minerva Cook, Mt Sinai Hospital
bullet The students were very moved by your innovative creativity.   ... Having experienced both the role of care giver and recipient during illness, I was very moved by your honest portrayals and the unique approach you have taken. 
- Teresa D'Elia, Gerontology Dept, Simon Fraser University
bullet "I'm recovering from Thyroid Cancer - your play was very inspiring! Thank you!" - Juli F
bullet I can hardly talk without it capturing deep feelings while not knowing exactly why. You've created something mythical - a metaphor that runs deep. You have made art from experience and because it's true art it has become myth.  
It has its immediate rewards that we can consciously reap but its depth compels us to stop, look and listen because it has also revealed something ancient, human and true.
- Paul Tucker
bullet It could have been judgmental or sentimental - instead its power and potential are awesome. - Pam Johnson
bullet You could be doing conferences conferences across the country.  You have a powerful message that should be seen by as many people as possible.  I would be happy to assist.  CALL ME. - Laurie Peck, Vancouver
bullet "Wonderful.  ... moving and engaging script ... beautiful, evocative and powerful dance/movement."
- Philip Classen, Psychologist and Family Counsellor
bullet "This should be required study for health professionals - never have I experienced such rich learning - multiple levels, multiple intelligences." - Annita Maat, caregiver
bullet "It sure gives you a new appreciation for those in the caregiving profession. ... My husband and I can't stop raving about it!" - Renya Feeney
bullet "Absolutely compelling and absorbing." - Penelope Tyndale, Chair, Board of Directors, IMAGO Arts
bullet "Amazing and intricate, ... great mixture of joy and anguish" - Shel Goldstein
bullet "It both challenges and encourages. I was captivated, moved and impressed by both the authenticity and the artfulness." -- Audrey Morikawa, Past-President, Baptist World Alliance Women's Department
bullet "Really beautiful, intriguing show.  I’ll be looking into the documentary.  Truly amazed by the interplay of the performer’s bodies.  I walked in knowing little about the show, and walked out very impressed.  Such a unique way to explore the role of care-givers and care-receivers." - Sara Miller
bullet "It made me miss my family - it made me appreciate my family.  I phoned them - our family may be forming again." - Lisa Randall
bullet "I will purchase a DVD for the purpose of community education and staff education as I feel the drama would empower them in their role." - Shaila Aranha, Kipling Acres Long Term Care Homes
bullet "I wanted to run but my butt was stapled to the chair. Uncomfortable. Brilliant." - Peter Gardiner-Harding, Focus Management

More audience writing about the play:

bullet Don't miss this one:  Beautiful acting, wonderful movement work, and a text that really had truth and beauty.  And I loved their set.  - Carolina Miranda, MT Space
bullet "A profound journey of pain, self-discovery and redemption!" - Carole Brennan, North York General Hospital, Social Work Dept.
bullet "Honesty & Passion:   I was so moved by the layers of honesty and passion driving these characters caught in the complexities of caregiving.  A creative thought-provoking script.   Powerful delivery from the actors/dancers.
I hope to see it again in Calgary with the rest of my family." - Gerald Fogarty
bullet "The more we try to be always-loving, the more 'other stuff' builds up inside. Shining the light so acutely on their dark side -- and working wonders with it -- frees that darkness in all of us." - Barbara Sauvé, RN

Conference Feedback:

bullet The keynote presentation was very informative - very interesting - positive - clear.
bullet It taught me to look differently at not only physical disabilities but also my own emotional disabilities.
bullet I went through a million emotions. That was my life on stage - everything i feel caring for my husband."
bullet I wish my daughter had been here to see it.
bullet The play helped workers see different responses to complex situations.  It should be turned into a video so more people can see it.
bullet Every moment was surprising yet perfect.
bullet It elevated my life to art - I am living my life on your storyline.
bullet Breathtaking and uplifting.
bullet Wow! Wow! Wow! This was fantastic!  I loved it. ... ... Funny, touching and thought-provoking. I could go on and on.  Thank you for such a gift!
bullet Dynamite! (Explosive power!)
bullet I knew it was a dance-drama, but I was continually amazed by the physicality.
bullet Hit me on a personal level.  Thank you for opening my eyes.
bullet It really touched my heart, and gave me better understanding.
bullet The keynote was amazing - it made you feel many emotions!
bullet The actors should be thanked profusely.
bullet What a great start to the conference!
bullet Completely mesmerizing. - Suzanne Brooks
bullet Tears burst from deep within. - Samuel Lee, Landscape Designer
bullet Very inspiring and informative - Adam Lennox

More Reviews and Full Quotes from which Extracts appear above

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Reviews of other Imagiscape shows:
man&woman
Neurogenesis

www.imagiscape.ca