Gdavis Productions and Films, LLC and the Alzheimer’s Association bring a free production of “Unforgettable” to Los Angeles on Saturday, January 14 at 5 p.m., at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre.
The dynamic and emotional stage play showcases the effects of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. The production also sheds light on the importance of early detection, recognizing the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s and the importance of underrepresented communities’ participation in clinical trials.
“There is a lack of culturally appropriate and tailored programming that resonates with disproportionately affected and underserved audiences as it relates to Alzheimer’s and other dementia care and support,” said Carl V. Hill, Ph.D., M.P.H., chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer at the Alzheimer’s Association.
“This community theater gives us the opportunity to deliver important disease-related information to the Los Angeles community in a fun and entertaining way. We want audiences to come away with a better understanding of Alzheimer’s and other dementia and of the resources and support that are available from the Alzheimer’s Association to help families who are affected.”
Currently, there are more than 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, including more than 690,000 in California. Older Black Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease as White Americans. Black Americans are also less likely to receive a timely diagnosis, with many receiving a diagnosis much later in the disease, when their medical needs are greater, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Related Links:
https://lasentinel.net/l-a-residents-help-walk-to-end-alzheimers-raise-1-71-million.html
https://lasentinel.net/a-call-for-community-healing-black-participation-in-alzheimers-research.html
“Unforgettable” features a stellar cast of characters including Dartez Wright and Kenneth Pierce from the series “Daddy’s Boys,” American Idol finalist Scott Savol, LeJuene Thompson from Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers, and Yessie Rodriguez from the drama series “My Family.”
The Unforgettable theme song was written by songwriter and vocalist Blanche McAllister, one of the lead singers from the Grammy award-winning group Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers.
“Response to the play has been overwhelming,” said Garret Davis, “Unforgettable” creator and award-winning playwright and filmmaker.
“The play illustrates what families affected by Alzheimer’s go through and encourages action. Being proactive in addressing Alzheimer’s and other dementia is especially important in Black/Latino communities who are at greater risk for the disease. I’m grateful that our message is resonating with audiences that have been vastly underserved for far too long,” he noted.
Gdavis Productions has been touring the country and raising awareness for Alzheimer’s disease and caregiving in communities of color for more than 13 years with the critically acclaimed stage plays “Forget Me Not” and “Mama’s Girls.” Over the last decade, “Forget Me Not” has toured over 27 cities in 10 states in an attempt to close the health disparities gap in underserved and disproportionately affected communities.
Alzheimer’s Association staff will be on hand before and after the play to provide information on local support and education services and to answer audience questions.
For more information about “Unforgettable” and to reserve a free ticket for the performance, visit unforgettableplay.com.
