Loving someone with dementia is hilarious and heartbreaking in new show

Kamarra Bell-Wykes, a playwright, drew inspiration from her mother Jeanie Bell's dementia and her own experiences to craft Melbourne Theatre Company's latest production, "Before I Forget." Jeanie Bell, a renowned Aboriginal linguist and academic, was a crucial figure in language reclamation; she has since passed away. The play follows the lives of three women: Faith, based on Jeanie Bell; her daughter Karma; and granddaughter Hope. Each name subtly reflects their character arcs and their intergenerational connections.

Playwright, actress, and director Bell-Wykes collaborated with a trusted team to bring authenticity to the production. Roxanne McDonald, who portrays Faith, drew upon her personal relationship with Jeanie to capture her mannerisms. Faith's larger-than-life personality provided ample opportunities for humor, a crucial element in navigating the play's themes of death and dementia.

Melodie Reynolds-Diarra, as Karma, praised her grandmother's legacy and the integration of Butchulla and Gubbi Gubbi dialogue in the play. Carly Shepherd, the assistant director, emphasized the cyclical nature of care within Aboriginal communities, with Hope representing the younger generation's responsibility to uphold their culture.

Bell-Wykes aimed to balance personal truth and dramatization while staying true to Jeanie Bell's significant contributions to preserving Aboriginal language. The play explores universal themes of love, acceptance, forgiveness, and the enduring impact of mothers and daughters on each other's lives. "Before I Forget" captivates audiences with laughter, poignant moments, and a celebration of life, memory, and cultural heritage. The production runs at Melbourne Theatre Company until November 28.