A BRAND new play challenging perceptions of people living with dementia will tour Wales in May and June this year.

Re-Live, a Welsh-based theatre company whose ethos it is to create theatre and ‘life story work’ with people at the margins of society, will perform a production entitled Belonging in nine towns and cities across the country, including Brecon on Wednesday, June 8.

Influenced by writer Karin Diamond’s Winston Churchill travel fellowship to Japan where she experienced first hand their creative and reciprocal philosophy of care for people living with dementia, Belonging promises to be an inspiring and moving look at a subject rarely covered by the arts in Wales.

“When I was in Japan a few years ago I was blown away with how they used creativity in dementia care, as a matter of course, with amazing outcomes.” says Diamond

This production aims to bring these positive messages to Wales, claiming love and laughter don’t have to stop because of dementia.

“This needs to be shown to families and health care professionals. Fantastic theatre.” says Dee Scott, Reablement Team Manager for Powys County Council.

Mark Jones, Dementia Care Advisor for the Younger Onset Dementia Service in Cardiff agrees; ‘“Belonging takes us inside the every day experiences of people living with dementia. It enlightens, challenges and entertains all at the same time. Audiences should prepare for some serious myth busting!”

Belonging will be at Theatr Brycheiniog at 2pm and 7.30pm on Wednesday, June 8. To book, call the box office on 01874 611622 or visit brycheiniog.co.uk