Raves for Sandglass Theater's "D-Generation"

For Alzheimer’s patients memories are elusive, but as far as Doug Anderson is concerned, “D-Generation” is unforgettable.

In addition to the usual publicity avenues, the executive director of Middlebury’s Town Hall Theater is sending personal emails extolling the latest work by Sandglass Theater. Sure, he has a little conflict of interest: Sandglass’ “D-Generation: An Exaltation of Larks” is appearing tonight and tomorrow at THT.

But Anderson is not the only one raving about this puppet-theater piece based on stories written collaboratively with individuals with late-stage dementia.

“The idea of sensitively portraying Alzheimer’s patients with puppets proved inspired,” writes Boston’s Hub Review. “Sandglass has developed some superbly realized marionettes.”

Fans of Putney-based puppeteers Erik Bass and Ines Zeller Bass already know the extraordinary artistry of their work, and that the couple has tackled heady topics before, using texts from the likes of Bertolt Brecht and Jewish literary critic Walter Benjamin. Of course, Sandglass has created child-centric pieces as well (think flea circus, or a hippo who lives in a tree).

“D-Generation: An Exaltation of Larks” seems a work of another order. Its three puppeteers act as the caregivers, its five puppets residents of a senior care facility. Set to original music by Paul Dedell, the text derives from the “complex world” of individuals living with dementia and those who take care of them. It was created using TimeSlips, an improvisational storytelling technique developed by Anne Basting for individuals with cognitive impairments.

A serious and frightening subject for many, memory loss is also, sadly, germane to just about all of us. According to a description on its website, Sandglass explores the “dark private terror” of dementia, but also its playful moments and “lyrical inner visions.”