LETHE

Written by Octavio Solis

Directed by Juliette Carrillo 

Presented at the Presentation Theatre on the University of San Francisco campus (August 2006)

Synopsis

This world premiere was created in collaboration with Bay Area seniors and their caregivers. LETHE (pronounced LEE-thee), featuring original music by Beth Custer, tells the story of caregivers and older adults as they struggle with new beginnings, recent loss and the mystery of memory. 

Dear all,

We had an amazing time in San Francisco this past summer! The 16 Institute students jumped headlong into the joys and challenges of putting up a Cornerstone production in the space of four weeks. LETHE was beautifully written by SF based playwright Octavio Solis, who was present and working throughout the whole process. Directed by Juliette Carrillo, the play had a cast of 45, 31 of whom were local seniors or caregivers or both. The band was a combination of students and professionals.

Love and thanks to all who were able to come see a performance in San Francisco! For those who couldn't make it, imagine entering a classic 1920s theater space with a gilded proscenium and a lush red grand drape. Eavesdrop on your fellow patrons who are filled with anticipation about seeing their parents or grandparents onstage. Listen to eldercare workers try to imagine a play about their experience. When the lights dim, composer/conductor Beth Custer's silhouette is seen leading the small band in a short, sweet overture. When the music ends, there is a moment of settling silence. Music begins again as the grand drape opens to reveal a world of blue light. The back wall is an ?tag?re filled with hundreds of family photographs, individually lit with amber lights that glow like love. Eleanor Prugh, an elegant white-haired woman, enters stage right precisely as the curtain opens. She sings alone, clear and strong, and then is joined gradually by the rest of the cast, and more light, and so it begins. I?m so grateful for all the people who make such experiences possible with their support and hard work.

Love,

Paula Donnelly, Institute Director