Life takes on a new meaning for the Davenport family when their matriarch Mama D. is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in Unforgettable, the new stage play that Gdavis Productions and Films, LLC and the Alzheimer’s Association have joined together to create. The dynamic and emotional stage play will showcase the effects of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s and the importance of understanding early detection and participating in clinical trials.
The play will debut in Chicago, Illinois on Saturday, June 10 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center. The performance is free to the public, and in addition to the play, the Alzheimer’s Association and their partners will have information and local resources available.
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.
“This is the next phase of what we originally started with the Alzheimer’s Association 13 years ago. To come full circle and to be in a position to take the Forget Me Not project to Unforgettable is truly a humbling moment and I am looking forward to the impact that will be made in communities of color across the nation,” said creator and award-winning playwright and filmmaker Garrett Davis.
“This is the next phase of what we originally started with the Alzheimer’s Association 13 years ago. To come full circle and to be in a position to take the Forget Me Not project to Unforgettable is truly a humbling moment and I am looking forward to the impact that will be made in communities of color across the nation,” said creator and award-winning playwright and filmmaker Garrett Davis.
Older Black Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than 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.
“Unfortunately, there’s a lack of culturally appropriate and tailored programming that resonates with Black and Hispanic/Latino audiences as it relates to Alzheimer’s and other dementia research, 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 will give us the opportunity to deliver important education, awareness, support and other resources to these communities in a fun and entertaining way that will resonate well with audiences that have been vastly underserved.”
Unforgettable features a stellar cast of characters who were a part of the drama series Daddy’s Boys including Dartez Wright and Kenneth Pierce, as well as American Idol finalist Scott Savol, LeJuene Thompson from Donald Lawrence & the Tri-City Singers, and Yesse Rodriquez from the drama series My Family.
The theme song was written by songwriter and vocalist Blanche McAllister, one of the lead singers from the Grammy award-winning group Donald Lawrence & the Tri-City Singers.
For more information about Unforgettable and to reserve your free ticket for the performance, visit unforgettableplay.com
Comments