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, Edmonton

 

--> Thursday, August 25, 2005
  Edmonton Journal
 
8°
Partly cloudy
 
Experimental Gamble Pays Off
Tale zeroes in on the simple fears that haunt us all
 
Rick McConnell
HEAL THYSELF
Rating 4.5 stars  


... 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, see Edmonton Journal.]      

© The Edmonton Journal 2005
 
Copyright © 2005 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 



Reviews from the Caregiving Community

Click for:   One-Page Ready-to-Print Summary


 
bullet"Brilliant - I was totally enthralled - you have a very important play here.  I can't wait to see it again."
- Joan Barrington, Director of Therapeutic Art Program at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto

bullet "Excellent - very intelligently written, produced and brilliantly performed ."
- Barbara Perry, Regional Coordinator, Alberta Association of Registered Nurses
bullet “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, Toronto District School Board
bullet You have embraced the issues every caregiver faces in such a positive and uplifting manner. ... You give everyone new hope.
- Barb Beecroft, Leisureworld, Director of Nursing
bullet "Exposes both the pain and the joys of caregiving ... Helps us all. It brought tears to my eyes."
- Dale Goldhawk, then-President, Alzheimer Society of Canada

bullet Heal Thyself inspires 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, CANES Home support services

bullet "Heal Thyself gripped me throughout the show as I saw glimpses of my own experience as a child of someone with Alzheimer Disease.   As Jonathon writhed in agony, I felt pain.  As he & Carlynn performed, I saw & felt the truth of their words.  Even now, I ponder the nuances and twists & turns of the script.  Thank you & well done!"
- Roy Bedford, Regional Director, Alzheimer's Society of Alberta 

 

 
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"Deeply exhilarating ...  Painfully, wondrously Real." - Cynthia Croker, Motus O Dance Theatre

 

My heart ached as you approached each hurdle and struggle.
As a caregiver, I know intellectually that others are in the same boat, but it's such a relief and support to experience that I am not alone - the confusion, the questions, the tiredness, the anger, the struggle with faith - the total frustration.  I felt such empathy for the family members struggling to make the situation as comfortably bearable for everyone, including themselves, as best they could.  It's so hard when you have no training to suddenly cope with declining health situations.  It sure gives you a new appreciation for those in the caregiving profession.   
[Several letters, including this one, were deeply personal, and have been mostly removed for privacy.]
My husband and I rave about it - we can't stop!  Everyone should see this show, right from youngest to oldest.
- Renya Feeney


There is an image that won't leave me alone. I can hardly talk without it capturing deep feelings while not knowing why exactly. 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.  
     The lone foot protruding and gesturing from behind a curtain of cheesecloth, serving as the threadbare division of many things, with its body concealed in a catastrophic and consuming darkness - at times pitiful and helpless in its presence - has touched me so deeply that I can not identify yet what exactly it has exposed.  But that is the nature of metaphor and 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 

Sincerely, this should be required study for health professionals - never have I experienced such rich learning - multiple levels, multiple intelligences.  Caregivers and everyone will delight in the drama and the discoveries.
- Annita Maat, 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. ...  The scope of what you presented will go far beyond the person being cared for and their caregiver/s.  
- Cindy Pock, Calgary

 

It made me miss my family - it made me appreciate my family.  I phoned them - it may be that our family is forming again.
- Lisa Randall

 

Dear Carlynn, Jonathon, and the Heal Thyself Team:

On behalf of the ALS Society of Canada staff who attended the performance November 3rd in Toronto, thank you for your work to raise the profile of caregiving in Canada and thank you very much for sharing very intimate, emotionally charged aspects of your lives with us.  We wish you the best in completing the film and we look forward to being able to use it through the ALS Society to educate professionals and support caregivers in our communities across Canada.

Regards,

Jane McCarthy
Director of Services and Education
The ALS Society of Canada   

 

This email is to give you my feedback regarding Heal Thyself from the Vancouver Fringe.  Shortly after the Fringe I took off to travel in New Zealand for a month and a half and am only now getting caught up on my life here at home.

While some other shows had truth, yours was the most vulnerable and public.  Thank you (both you and your families) for taking the risk.

I often don't "get" dance and when I realized that this was to be an autobiographical piece dealing with emotionally laden subject matter, I admit, I was somewhat worried.  Too often, in my opinion, people put on stage what should be in the therapist’s office (or workshop) and ask me to pay money to come watch them work through their issues. I am pleased to report that from the time the house lights went out to the end of the show, that thought did not cross my mind.  While it is clear that creating this show involved you all having to work through some very hard issues, I felt that you had clearly done so and were now offering me an opportunity to learn from the truth you discovered in doing so - inviting me to consider my own life/world, and offering your story as a framework or launching point.

I was also given a renewed respect for my mother ...  we have discussed care options which would not leave us bitter, hateful, or violent.  Your show goes a long way to getting people to talk about these things before the need for caregiving arises and one or more of the people can’t speak for themselves.

I saw it on a whim and will be ever grateful that I did.

I am involved with Pacific Theatre here in Vancouver, and I am a social worker with the Forensic Psychiatric Service.
I wonder if there is some possibility of a project of some sort with your show (or workshop), in partnership with Pacific Theatre, and one of the mental health services?  Maybe something during mental health week next year.

Maria Denholme
BC Forensic Psychiatric Service: Forensic Liaison Social Worker

 
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"Shockingly brilliant.  ... It was uncomfortable - I wanted to run but my butt was stapled to the chair. "  
- Peter Gardiner-Harding, Focus Management

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It could have been judgmental or sentimental - instead its power and potential are awesome. - Pam Johnson 

bulletIt elevated my life to art - I am living my life on your storyline. .... - ___
bullet Every moment was surprising yet perfect. - ___
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Wonderful. ... [Contacts provided - media, sponsorship, conferences] ... Your show is able to provide the deepest experience of the caregiver's life.  I would be happy to continue this conversation at any point in the future. 
 - Audrey Miller MSW, RSW, CCRC, President, Elder Caring Inc./Soins Elder Caring
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I would be happy to assist.  You could be doing conferences - health care conferences across the country. ... 
You have a powerful message that should be seen by as many people as possible.   CALL ME.
 Laurie Peck, Vancouver

 

As a past-caregiver twice over, I found the show profoundly moving and positive.
Both I and my guest (also a caregiver) cried during the show... it continues to inspire important conversation between us.  Tremendous courage and creativity - a very compelling story line.  I also appreciated that you've stuck by your mother's side through this very difficult time; many family members, partners and friends bail when the going gets rough. It's clear you see it as an honor to care for her, and she's honored by you.
- Angela Bischoff

 

The next several days I kept seeing and hearing images that connected. ... It is not just for caregivers. (I guess we are all caregivers.) ... I have seen my mother and four siblings and patients in my medical practice lose aspects of their personality and fade into demented dependence. 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


... My son is 30 (yikes!!) and has cerebral palsy. ...  As do many people, we converse with a hand, a moan or a smile.  I carry on a two sided conversation endlessly.  My son is a wonderful young man who for the most part I see only as the intelligent, humourous person he is.  BUT just put us in front of a mirror and I wonder who in heaven's name this small twisted little person is.  Unfortunately a lot of people who pass him by see this image, and not the great person inside. 

I liked the line about making our own loony bin, ... in our home, we do things that are fun even if someone on the outside watching would think we seriously need help.

I think what you all have done is wonderful.  I so often have these great ideas to write what is in my head, I have some poems, but think who would care or get what I am trying to convey.  Now that I have seen that every day life can very definitely be translated to touch a huge group of people I am inspired. 

... grabbed me by the heart ...

The experience of Heal Thyself caused a gentle shift in my perception of myself.  And my daughter was with me and maybe it gave her an idea of why I sometimes seem a little !! off balance.

It was very honest, something we often do not allow ourselves to be.  AND yet very encouraging - I left the theatre with a lightness I have not felt for a long time.
Thank you for the chance to express myself.   ...

The OFCP (Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy) and the Ministry of Health (any and every department) should see the show. 

I would love to participate in a support group focused on Heal Thyself - it would be so much more healing and awakening than a LOT of other groups I have been to or heard about.

- Linda Thornton, caregiver

It was disturbing (painful truths hit home), and provoking - with very funny moments.  I which I could see it again because there was so much to take in that I am sure I would get new things out of it a second time around.  I was personally encouraged by how the characters found new ways of relating and changing the expectations and rules of engagement in their relationship.  It compellingly takes us through the difficult journey - discovering that we cannot change another person, but if we shift our own thinking (which, in turn, shifts our emotions and behaviors), then the dance we are locked into with another will inevitably change.

This production plants seeds on so many levels.

Beth Ander

... Carlynn and Jonathon of Imagiscape Theatre broke into an impromptu scene. A large crowd had gathered around us as I interviewed them - Suddenly they were leaping, tossing and catching each other while throwing dialogue back and forth. The crowd made a collective exclamation of awe.... We all experienced something very spontaneous and exciting.

Valerie LeBlanc, Time Travel in this Moment

 


Show Reviews
November 7, 2005 Imagiscape Theatre – “Heal Thyself”
  Imagiscape Theatre creates original dance dramas.  The movement is based in contact improv, while the text involves an imaginative use of simple props.  In this less is more style, Carlynn Reed and Jonathon Neville’s latest project is called “Heal Thyself”, and once again they have taken on a difficult subject, in this case, caregiving.  The stories are from real life.  Reed has a son suffering from a debilitating physical disease that racks him with pain, while Neville’s mother has Alzheimer’s.  Cheryl Martin’s set is a forest of tattered draperies, to match the shattered lives.

During the course of the play, the two switch between the two stories, with the focus on the caregivers, and the pressures placed upon them.  They also provoke and prod each other to come to grips with their true feelings.  Guided by the fine hand of dramaturge/director Dennis Hassell, “Heal Thyself” never becomes mawkish or sentimental.  The physical imagery is haunting.

I’m Paula Citron, arts reviewer for CLASSICAL 96.3 FM.

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“Probes the nature of caregiving and creativity. ... 
a few minutes later they were being interviewed live by a television reporter.” 
 - Entertainment Staff Writer, Edmonton Journal, Aug.23 

 


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"Wonderful.  Great combination of moving and engaging script and beautiful, evocative and powerfully communicating dance/movement. - Philip Classen, Psychologist and Family Counsellor

bullet"A profound journey of pain, self-discovery and redemption!" - Carole Brennan, North York General Hospital, Social Work Dept.
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"Not just for caregivers - key for anyone who cares."  -  Lara Masterson 

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"Excellent - very emotional and close to the bone but funny and moving." - Shelley McVea

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"Divinely inspired!" - Alexa Kinney

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"Completely mesmerizing." - Suzanne Brooks

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"Tears burst from deep within ....  Riveting."  -  Samuel Lee,  Edible Landscape Designer

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"Absolutely compelling and absorbing." - Penelope Tyndale, Chair, Board of Directors, IMAGO Arts

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This play has truth - it's not sentimental.  I felt the therapeutic release an audience member should feel after a show like this.   Thank you for entertaining me and provoking thought at the same time. - Alexander Gilmour, Edmonton

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Wow. I was stunned by the beauty, truth, light, movement, fluidity of this performance, which was like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Brilliantly performed. A true gift of healing. - Lynn Lau, Edmonton

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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 M, Highland Park, Illinois (seen in London)

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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

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I knew it was a dance-drama, but I was continually amazed by the physicality. ... - ______

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Shockingly wonderful. - Sandy (Roxanne's friend)

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Very inspiring and informative - Adam Lennox

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I will be interested to 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

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Very intriguing - amazing choreography - excellent script. - Danish Ahmed

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Honesty & Passion:
Wow. 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

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"One of the bravest stage projects I've ever seen." - Michael Evans, Entertainment Reporter, SEE Magazine

Conference Feedback:

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The keynote presentation was very informative - very interesting - positive - clear.

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It taught me to look differently at not only physical disabilities but also my own emotional disabilities.

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Breathtaking and uplifting.

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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!

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The play helped the worker see how to handle situations.  It should be turned into a video so more people can see it.

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Dynamite! (Explosive power!)

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Hit me on a personal level.  Thank you for opening my eyes.

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It really touched my heart, and gave me better understanding.

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The keynote was amazing and it made you feel many emotions!

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It reminded me of my ex-partner's mother, of being with my own parents, of my client who died, of my friends whose daughter is disabled, and of my own helplessness when I was ill.  It brought me into and through the dynamic between love and fear, compassion and resentment.  How we as caregiver don't want to become negative like our parent.  How it is to love someone and hate to see them making choices that bring them pain.  I would like to bring many people to see it.  It made me laugh and cry and touched me.  (For me, physical pain and depression and post-traumatic stress disorder all conspired to render me stuck.)  That scene about getting the mother to wear the diaper.  How he strove for humour, lightness, quality of life.  It was a wonderful piece on so many levels.  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.

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"Absolutely awesome ... ruthless love ... VERY insightful"  - Cynthia Croker (2nd viewing), Motus O

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All of you are showing the way to new ways of being. 
...  I came in touch with my own vulnerability.  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.  It was very spiritual for me.
Have you thought of connecting with University students in both dance and medical professions?  Have you connected with Alzheimers etc?  Every caregiver both professional and informal should have a chance to see this.  Health Regions could use a little boost as far as their Education programs go. 
... Your play gives permission to explore outside the box and see how what happens in ‘the interaction’ can so profoundly affect the experience of both people.  (A department at UofC Nursing teaches systems theory.) 
- Peta Collings, Agapé Hospice, Calgary

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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 to these issues.  - Teresa D'Elia, Gerontology Dept, Simon Fraser University

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I was captivated, moved and impressed by both the authenticity and the artfulness, as was the rest of the audience. "Heal Thyself" challenges and encourages.
-- Audrey Morikawa, Past-President,
  Baptist World Alliance Women's Department

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AWESOME - I am in awe - Everyone should see this show.  It is both shockingly honest and shockingly encouraging.    - Kim Bowman, Smiths Medical

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