Just as current medical research represents the cutting edge of conception and treatment of dementia, the creators of Demolition Derby view the project as a means to engage, entertain and create awareness through artistic expression.

This performance brings diverse communities to the subject in fresh ways, promotes discussion, and conveys the essence of an issue in all its contradictions.

This project is presented by a broad consortium: Repertory Dance Theatre’s LINK Series, Intermountain Healthcare and LDS Hospital’s Geriatric Cognitive Clinic, Weber State University, University of Utah’s Center for Alzheimer’s Care, Imaging & Research (CACIR), Utah Psychological Association and the Alzheimer’s Association Utah Chapter.

Created by nationally touring performer/choreographer Erik Stern, Demolition Derby is inspired by Stern’s experiences caring for both parents since 2003. Beautiful, affecting and at times comic, the seventy-minute show takes the audience into the mind of a son as he copes with the scrapes, near misses and collisions of dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. Featuring five dancers and two musicians/composers, the work fashions light, set, sound, and video design to create a powerful evening of dance/theatre.

The premiere is part of National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and will be a component in the Utah Psychological Association’s fall conference. The performance will be followed each night by a panel discussion. Panelists include Drs. Edward Zamrini, James Levy and Gordon Chelune, all staff at CACIR, and professionals in arts and caregiver organizations.