Newcomer Nqobile Masondo will join seasoned actress Fiona Ramsay in Durban this week to shine a spotlight on Alzheimer’s in the South Africa premiere of “Breadcrumbs”.
The production, which was originally written by international playwright Jennifer Haley in 2010, is being directed by award-winning actor and playwright, Ralph Lawson.
“Breadcrumbs” tells the story of Alida (Ramsay), an elderly female author who is suffering from a progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions as well as her nurse Beth, who steps in to help her chronicle her autobiography.
Their relationship is very delicate as Beth is left to navigate Alida’s outbursts but, in doing so, she finds that they are more alike than different.
“It’s got loads of different themes, it’s really about Alida and Beth’s relationship, but it’s got magical qualities,’’ explained Ramsay, who is a veteran theatre, TV and movie actress.
“It’s about storytelling, fairy tales and also about how we make sense of our lives.”
Meanwhile, the team have localised the international production for its South African audience. The play now features South African aspects, including the cast switching up their accents.
Ramsay added that it centres on a highly pertinent topic.
“Alzheimer’s and dementia are increasingly prevalent in our societies and (it is) more and more difficult to deal with and because our health service doesn’t cater for that type of thing and more and more people are being looked after at home by members of the family.
“So it is interesting for audiences that have never experienced this, to see what this illness does, but it is also for people who are dealing with the illness to see that it’s normal and that it happens everywhere,” she shared.
Masondo, who is performing in her first notable production, added that while “Breadcrumbs” offers a lot of educational benefits, they have also added some funny elements to it.
“As much as dementia is a very serious illness, we have added something that makes it more entertaining because it’s a play,” she said.
“So as much as we are educating people on this issue, we have done so in a way that’s not boring.”
The actress noted that as her character develops, she begins to relate to Alida’s story, realising that they are not that different from each other.
“There is a bond that is very much visible throughout the play. It is Alida’s story but as Beth starts to relate to it, you realise that the stories are alike and that’s why there’s this connection; that’s why Beth is so eager to help take care of this old woman because she sees herself in Beth and the story she is writing about her life.
“At the end, there is something rooted there and Beth is also being helped while writing Alida’s story.
“She finds pieces of herself. So it’s a very delicate relationship,” said Masondo.
Ramsay added: “It’s not a typical relationship because with Alzheimer’s comes a lot of distrust, a lot of aggression and a lot of memory loss and so Beth has to fend of these outbursts, but they make her stronger.”
The production’s title plays on the famous children’s fairytale “Hansel and Gretel”, where their mother sends the children into the woods with a loaf of bread that they would then crumble as they went along, so that they would find their way back.
Ramsay explained: “In our story, the breadcrumbs represent the words that Alida is losing. It’s a kind of metaphor for dementia.
“We would like the audience to feel some sort of empathy or relate to, even if you don’t know anybody, know that when you are feeling out of control, it will be okay.”
Masondo added: “It’s a very metaphorical play. We are bringing quality and magical. We want people to experience a different side of fear while being informed and entertained.”
Ramsay, who has not been to The Playhouse Theatres, where the play will be staged, for years, said that she is excited to be performing in Durban again.
“It’s lovely to be back at The Playhouse. I haven’t been here for many, many years. It’s also wonderful to be working with Ralph and Nqobile.
“I’ve done a lot of one-woman shows and it’s a very lonely experience, so it’s lovely to have a creative team. Hopefully, we can tour with this production to festivals in future.”
Masondo added: “This is my first time doing a big play so I am very excited about working with Ralph Lawson and Fiona Ramsay.
“These are the people that you see in the industry doing big things, so for me to come in as a young girl and be given the opportunity to be on stage with such a big artist, gives me the sense of being in the right hands, so I feel very safe.
Where: The Playhouse Loft Theatre in Durban Central.
When: Thursday, August 8, to Saturday, August 10.
Cost: Tickets range from R50 to R150 and can be purchased at Webtickets.