Friends and staff of NNI stepped out in support of dementia awareness and research at the fundraising performance of ‘The Father.’ From left: Mr Kwee Liong Phing, Mr Teng Ngiek Lian, Mrs Teng Ngiek Lian and Mr Philip Jeyaretnam

Award-winning play raises awareness of dementia and funds to fight the disease.

Watching ‘The Father’ was a bittersweet experience for Melissa Chan. The play about a 70-year old man’s struggle with dementia reminded the founder of “Project We Forget” of her late father, his battle with the disease and the challenges she faced as his caregiver. Yet the play’s dark humour also made her laugh along with the rest of the audience.

 Mr Chan was one of 600 people who attended the performance on 8 March 2018, and seated nearby were 80 patients and caregivers from the National Neuroscience Institute’s (NNI) Dementia Support Group, whose tickets were sponsored by members of the public and staff from across the SingHealth cluster. The fundraising show has brought in more than $56,000 to-date.

“The play struck a chord with our patients and caregivers, and I think the audience went away with a better idea of what dementia does to a person’s mind,” said Ms Sandra Koh, Chief Operating Officer, NNI. “We are so thankful to everyone who sponsored tickets and supported this event. The funds raised will go towards NNI’s Health Research Endowment Fund, which will support the fight against dementia.”

During a dialogue session after the performance, cast members and the play’s producer, Tracie Pang, discussed how they had prepared for the production. This included talking to NNI’s dementia specialists, reading research articles and attending a sharing session to better understand the challenges of living with the disease.

“Meeting the caregivers and patients was an eye-opening experience because we saw the immediacy of dementia on their lives. Although what they go through may not be identical to what was in the script, it gave us really good reference points,” said Ms Pang.

Pangdemonium’s sold-out production of the award-winning family drama and thriller ran from 2 to 18 March 2018 at Victoria Theatre. It is one of the few artistic works to explore dementia through the eyes of a patient.  

 "It's an interesting collaboration and rare opportunity to have culture, entertainment and public education and awareness all rolled into one,” said Associate Professor Ng Wai Hoe, Medical Director, NNI. “Education and understanding about dementia are vital for our society. Helping the cast better understand dementia results in more realistic portrayals so the audience leaves with a greater understanding of the illness. This will help improve social integration and the quality of life for people living with this illness.”

In Singapore, one in 10 people aged 60 years and above have dementia and these numbers are expected to increase as the country’s population ages. At present there is no cure for this devastating disease. Proceeds from the fundraising event will go towards much needed research at NNI to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat dementia. For more information about supporting NNI’s research and education projects, please click here.