Issues of memory development and loss explored in original production of “Between Two Chairs” at Messiah College
April 14th, 2008
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GRANTHAM, Pa. (April 14, 2008) – Written and performed by Valerie Rae Smith, associate professor and co-chair of the department of theatre at Messiah College, “Between Two Chairs” is a one-woman play following the tragedy of watching a father’s memory slowly lost to Alzheimer’s, parallel with the mystery of memory development in his young grandson. Performances will be held on May 5–6 at 8 p.m. in Miller Auditorium, located in Climenhaga Fine Arts Center on the college’s Grantham campus. Free tickets may be reserved by calling the Messiah College ticket office at (717) 691-6036.
About the production
“Between Two Chairs” is an autobiographical piece of theatre, born of Smith’s unique vantage point “as the daughter of a man who is losing his memories and the mother of a child who is developing his own.” The struggle and pain of the one role contrasts sharply with the wonder of the second. Intentionally conceived as a way to generate community among those living with memory loss or faced with the care of a loved one subject to Alzheimer’s, previous performances of “Between Two Chairs” have included a talk-back or a series of discussions regarding the disease and its physical, emotional and spiritual effects.
“At first,” Smith says, “I thought this play would be a very personal way of saying goodbye to my father… [but] I have discovered that there is still so much left to experience with my father even as I let go of our shared memories. Somehow, we are building new memories, memories that can give me great joy if I am willing to enter my father’s world rather than force him to remain in mine.”
About Valerie Rae Smith
Smith received her bachelor of arts in theatre/education from Taylor University, her master of arts from Miami University in Ohio and her Ph.D. in theatre history, literature and criticism from Tufts University. In addition to teaching theatre at Tufts University and Boston College, Smith served as artistic director for Circles of Girls, a pilot performing arts program for at-risk adolescents in Boston. Smith teaches theatre history, dramatic literature and acting, and directs in a variety of theatrical genres. Her recent directing credits include “Dead Man Walking,” “Nickel and Dimed,” “Noises Off” and “Romeo and Juliet.” She continues to perform and direct professionally.
About Messiah College
Messiah College, a private Christian college of the liberal and applied arts and sciences, enrolls 2,800 undergraduate students in 55 majors. Established in 1909, the primary campus is located in Grantham, Pa., near the state capital of Harrisburg. A satellite campus affiliated with Temple University is located in Philadelphia.