Memory Generation

About 1 in 9 Americans age 65 and older has Alzheimer's (most common form of dementia) and over 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with dementia (Source: Alzheimer’s Association of America). Studies have shown that creative arts engagement for people with dementia can reduce depression and isolation, and can even slow cognitive decline, as well as offering stress-relief and mental health benefits for caregivers.

Memory Generation is a new experiential theater work, rooted in documentary theater and community-practices, inviting  reflection on aging, isolation and connection, place and belonging. In development for 2026, it builds on the direct experiences of people with dementia and caregivers, it will explore both the unexpected losses as well as moments of humor and joy that arise in the daily experiences and changing sense of self and relationships that arise when dementia impacts individuals, families, and communities.

Conceived and created by Artistic Director, Engagement Sara Zatz, inspired by her own family history and experience as a caregiver for a parent with dementia in collaboration with Detroit-based theater director, producer and educator Sherrine Azab (A Host of People) who regularly works with communities of older adults, and who also has lived experience as a caregiver. Andrew Morton, a Detroit-based socially engaged theater artist and former TimeSlips Program Manager, serves as a project advisor and creative collaborator.

Performances held in Spring/Summer 2026, will be intimate theatrical experiences, set in pop-up “memory cafes”  (unique creative and social spaces specifically for people with dementia and their caregivers), and incorporating techniques designed to accommodate memory loss/memory limitations, including both verbal and non-verbal storytelling, and scripted storytelling that does not need to be memorized.   Memory Generation will integrate the concept of Memory Cafes with the creation of theatrical work - specifically with Pink Fang’s long-standing Undesirable Elements methodology of creating interview-based theater from the personal experiences and histories of participants.