From reality disjunctions to dramatic reality: Bridging realities through the performance of life stories in dementia care

Abstract

This article explores the potential for a performative life story project to build bridges between different realities and, in so doing, to establish common ground between people who are living with dementia and members of their community. The discussion is anchored in a practice vignette from a single-case life story performance. Two features of the methodology, the ‘saying hullo again’ metaphor from narrative therapy and dramatic reality from drama therapy, are highlighted. Their combined effectiveness as an alternative framework for understanding and working with reality disjunctions in dementia care is discussed.