Jump-Start Performance Co. Presents an INKubator Production:
Snacked Up In Prayer! The Dementia Diaries
San Antonio, TX – Jump-Start Performance Co. is proud to announce the debut of Snacked Up In Prayer! The Dementia Diaries, a compelling hour-long variety show that addresses the impending elder care crisis and the epidemic of cognitive decline, exploring its multifaceted effects on family caregivers.
This one-woman show is written by Robin LaVerne Wilson, performed by Dragonfly, and directed by award-winning performer Amalia Ortiz.
Snacked Up In Prayer! The Dementia Diaries aims to shed light on the challenges faced by caregivers and the emotional toll of dementia on families. Through a unique blend of storytelling, humor, and poignant reflections, this production invites audiences to engage with an important social issue that affects many in our community.
Dragonfly has been selected as the Jump-Start Performance Company’s INKubator artist for 2025. This program supports one individual or group each season with a small budget, public relations assistance, rehearsal space, tech support, and a nurturing environment to produce original performances.
The inaugural workshop performances will take place on September 26, 27 at 8 PM and September 28 at 3 PM at Jump-Start Theater, located at 710 Fredericksburg Rd., San Antonio, TX, 78201.
For tickets visit https://dojour.us/e/62021-snacked-up-in-prayer-the-dementia-diaries.
PREMISE
Dragonfly was living her best bohemian life in NYC until the day she got that fateful phone call. After 20 years, the prodigal daughter is back in her childhood home in Texas. She negotiates the changes in her octogenarian mother’s memories and abilities while also dealing with her own change of life and circumstances. Helpful and harmful characters aid and assail her on her journey. As the baby of the family, she quickly learns to care for her mother and herself beyond everyone’s expectations, with the help of snacks and prayers along the way.
ARTIST STATEMENT
People want to live forever, but nobody wants to grow old. We don’t talk enough about brain health and cognitive decline in the same way we discuss risks for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. It’s no wonder that we are facing an epidemic of little-to-no support for our aging parents and the responsibilities upon their adult children.
Being a family caregiver can be an isolating burden or a noble badge of honor. Which one depends upon our attitude, our abilities, and our access to resources.
As an applied theatre practitioner, the process of creating this show is my medicine—to synthesize and share what I’ve learned in the past several years. I have to laugh to keep from crying, I have to keep making my art, and I have to always put my mother’s needs first without losing myself.
My hope is that the product and experience of my show will be medicine for fellow family caregivers, activate them with greater access to resources, and encourage them to keep going.
This is a workshop performance of a work-in-progress. Your attendance and feedback supports further development of this show for local, national, and international community-building.
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