Memorable Theater for Those Untangling Dementia’s Impact

It’s not every day that you find medical students, nurses and residents taking time out of their already-packed schedules to care for themselves—let alone to practice and rehearsals for an original theater production. Yet, for the past few months, that’s been part of their routine as cast members of “Tangles In Time,” a show made possible through a collaboration between Jefferson and Theater of Witness.

Solely performed by people living with dementia, their care partners, health professionals and students, “Tangles” leans heavily on personal anecdotes and storytelling, creative skills and a deep level of empathy to bring to life the challenges of this progressive disease.

“Our health professionals and students are always striving to be the most compassionate providers they can be,” says Megan Voeller, director of Jefferson’s humanities and health program. “This production offers them an opportunity to walk in the shoes of care partners and people living with dementia and deepens their understanding of the experience of dementia and how it resonates in their own lives.”

Using live performance, original music, film and other imagery, “Tangles” invites all people to connect and build empathy, a concept very familiar to the Jefferson community. Students in the Sidney Kimmel Medical College pursue interests outside of medicine—as part of the curriculum—in tracks like population health, design and humanities. Thus, participation in projects like No One Dies Alone and “Tangles” have seen much interest from students and residents.