Eileen Weiner, composer, playwright, actor, and producer of Doing Bernice, answered some quick questions for @SeeItOrSkipItLA!
1. This show seems like it would be a real tear-jerker, yet it’s described as wickedly funny. How did you find the humor in dealing with dementia?
A: There used to be a TV show called Kids Say the Darndest Things, hosted by Art Linkletter. If you think kids say the darndest things, you can imagine the kind of things people with dementia say. Anyone who has ever experienced an altered state of consciousness can relate to this. The difference is, dementia doesn’t wear off after a few hours. Dealing with dementia not only requires thinking outside the box, it requires thinking outside the Container Store! People with Alzheimer’s revert to being little children, so as a caregiver you get to experience the joy of being with a child, only in an older person’s body. Mel Brooks was able to find humor in Hitler. Compared to that, finding humor in dementia was a piece of cake.
2. If there was one piece of advice that you could give to a new caregiver, what would it be?
A: If I could give only one piece of advice to a new caregiver (because you had duct taped me to keep me from going on and on) it would be this: You have within you depths of strength and unconditional love that exceed your wildest imaginings. Take this journey day by day with an open mind and an open heart, and you will never regret it.
3. What about your show makes it perfect for the Fringe?
A: My show is perfect for the Fringe because it doesn’t require fancy scenery or technical wizardry. It’s a musical excursion to the 40’s and back in less than an hour with time to see another show that day and no jet lag.
4. What do you hope the audience walks away with after your show?
A: I want the audience to walk away after my show (hopefully not during it) with a smile on their faces and the realization that dealing with dementia can be a learning experience rather than a catastrophe. For caregivers and receivers especially, my wish is to transport them for an hour through the magic of theatre to a place of laughter and hope. And I hope everyone remembers Bernice, without whom neither this play nor I would have ever existed.
5. What show, other than yours, are you most excited to see at the Fringe?
A: There are so many wonderful shows at the Fringe, to pick a favorite would be like trying to pick your favorite flavor of Ben and Jerry’s, but I am interested in two. One is “Booze, Balls, and Bluegrass,” another one woman show about caregiving, this time a daughter and her father. The other is “Might As Well Live”, a collection of Dorothy Parker stories. That’s the same Dorothy Parker who once said she got up every morning, brushed her teeth and sharpened her tongue.
Intrigued? You can see Doing Bernice on these days:
Ruby Theatre in the Complex, 6476 Santa Monica Blvd. (It’s first floor, ADA accessible.)
Sunday June 14th at 5:30 pm
Saturday, June 20th at 2pm
Okay fine, you can have a discount too!
Half price discounts for seniors and caregivers apply, either in person or online by using the discount code. The discount code is available by contacting Eileen through the Fringe site.
For ticketing click here.
*As a special thank-you to all Fringers following my coverage, please enjoy 15% off purchases at In Heels Productions throughout the month of June. Use code HFF15 at checkout!