When the curtain rises at True Love Productions Studios in Forest Park, Georgia, on October 12th at 3 p.m., audiences will experience more than a stage play—they’ll step into the living room of a family learning to navigate one of life’s most difficult challenges: dementia.

Presented by True Love Productions, Dim the Lights is an informative comedy-drama written and directed by Tru Love Banks, starring the remarkable Rita Parker as MaDear, alongside Debra Francois as Kathy, Anthony Hinton as Charles, and Delana Morrissette as Sarah.

Set against the backdrop of family, memory, and faith, Dim the Lights explores what happens when the mind begins to flicker like a fading candle—and how love can still burn brightly even in the darkest moments.

A Story That Hits Close to Home

But statistics only tell part of the story. Behind each number is a family like MaDear’s, struggling to make sense of memory loss, shifting behaviors, and emotional changes that accompany the disease.

Dim the Lights blends humor and heartbreak to illuminate what it’s like to love someone whose memories slowly begin to slip away. Through its touching script and unforgettable performances, the production sheds light on both the pain and the profound humanity found in dementia’s shadow.

The Power of Performance to Heal and Educate

During a recent rehearsal, the cast gathered in a cozy, ivy-draped set that resembled a warm southern home. Rita Parker, script in hand, brought MaDear to life with authenticity, her expressive delivery drawing laughter and tears from her fellow actors. Sitting nearby, Debra Francois and Delana Morrissette leaned in with emotion, portraying daughters caught between love, frustration, and fear.

Director Tru Love Banks designed Dim the Lights to do more than entertain—it aims to educate and build empathy. “So many families are silently struggling,” Banks explains. “They don’t always understand what their loved ones are going through. This show gives a voice to those experiences, wrapped in laughter, truth, and compassion.”

Understanding Dementia and Alzheimer’s

According to the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Institute on Aging, dementia is not a single disease but a general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving, and other cognitive abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause, accounting for 60–80% of all dementia cases.

Early symptoms often include forgetfulness, confusion about time or place, and difficulty finding words. As the disease progresses, individuals may experience personality changes, wandering, and even trouble recognizing loved ones.

But as Dim the Lights reminds audiences, dementia does not erase the person within. Emotional memory—love, laughter, music—often remains long after factual memory fades. Studies have shown that individuals with Alzheimer’s can still feel joy, affection, and connection when surrounded by familiar voices and compassionate care.

Comedy Meets Compassion

What makes Dim the Lights so powerful is its balance of humor and heartache. MaDear’s wit and sharp tongue shine through, even as her memory falters. There are moments of laughter that give audiences permission to breathe amidst the tension—because, as many caregivers know, sometimes humor is the only way to cope.

The play’s comedic touches never diminish its seriousness; instead, they reflect the resilience families develop when facing cognitive decline. As one character says, “You’ve got to laugh to keep from crying.”

Raising Awareness Through Art

The Alzheimer’s Association emphasizes that community awareness and education are critical for reducing stigma and supporting caregivers. Productions like Dim the Lights play a crucial role in that mission by turning clinical realities into relatable human stories.

Audience members leave with more than tears or applause—they leave with understanding. They witness how patience, communication, and compassion can transform caregiving from a burden into an act of grace.

Join the Conversation and the Cause

Dim the Lights premieres on Saturday, October 12th, at 3 p.m. at True Love Productions Studios, located at 4709 Jonesboro Rd., Forest Park, Georgia. Tickets and information are available at www.trueloveproductions.org.

Whether you’re a caregiver, a healthcare worker, or someone whose loved one has been touched by dementia, this performance promises to resonate deeply. It’s an evening of enlightenment wrapped in storytelling—a reminder that even as nature dims the lights, love continues to shine.

Resources for Support

For those who wish to learn more or seek help:

• Alzheimer’s Association Helpline: 1-800-272-3900 (available 24/7)
• Website: www.alz.org
• Georgia Chapter: Offers local support groups, educational resources, and caregiver training programs.

Because as Dim the Lights beautifully teaches us, while memory can fade, love never forgets. – Written by Deb Fran