UnRavelled is a powerful synthesis of theatre, music, science and visual art. An East Coast premiere, this “revolutionary theatrical production” (Metro Silicon Valley) explores the complexities of the human mind through the parallel lives of scientist-turned-painter Anne Adams and composer Maurice Ravel, both affected by frontotemporal dementia. With a cast of 10 actors and musicians, the play follows Adams, a gifted biologist whose life unravels as she abandons her career, consumed by the desire to paint and an obsession with Ravel’s iconic Boléro. As Adams’ cognitive decline accelerates, her art flourishes, revealing a surprising link between neurological disease and creativity. “An exquisite example of epic theatre” (Colorado Boulevard), UnRavelled sheds new light on dementia with empathy and awe.
Cast Lucy Davenport, Andrew Borba, David Aaron Baker, Leo Marks, Tracey A. Leigh
Violin Rachel Iba
Cello Michelle Elliott Rearick
Keyboards Aron Kallay
Winds Nathaniel Edison
Percussion Randy Gloss
Director James Bonas
Producer Cath Brittan
The performance time for Sunday, October 11 is different than what was originally published in the 26/27 season brochure. The new performance time is 2 PM.
Save up to 35% by including this performance in a subscription! » Learn morePost-Show Talks
Oct 8–10
Stay after these performances to dive deeper into the themes explored on stage.
Oct 8 panelists:
Kasey Kissick (Co-President, The Kissick Foundation)
Rev. Marion Adams (Daughter of Anne Adams)
Jake Broder (Playwright)
Oct 9 panelists:
Katherine Cotter (Director of Research, Humanities and Human Flourishing Project, Penn)
Aaron Levy (Senior Lecturer, Department of English and History of Art, Penn)
Jackie Tileston (Professor of Fine Arts, Penn)
Jake Broder (Playwright)
Oct 10 panelists:
Sara Manning Peskin (Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology, Penn)
Emma Heming Willis (FTD Caregiver and Advocate)
Linde Lee Jacobs (FTD Advocate)
Dr. Jason Karlawish (Neurologist and Professor of Medicine, Geriatrics, Penn)
Oct 10: For those living with dementia and care partners. » Register now
Oct 11: Open to all. » Register now
UnRavelled is made possible in part with support provided by the Penn Live Arts Accelerator Program. UnRavelled is presented in partnership with Penn Medicine as part of the International Conference for Frontotemporal Dementias.
Photo credit: Courtesy UnRavelled
