Frederick Kjensmo
"MY FATHER": a humorous performance on dementia and regular dads
A play that offers transparency on the topic of dementia. Comedian and writer Freddy Kjensmo has staged a performance about a topic not usually considered comical – the severe dementia affecting his father. He plays the leading character in a piece scheduled to be performed eight times in Eastern Norway in September.
Kjensmo previously published a book about what it was like when his own father got dementia some years ago.
“This is a story about not always succeeding in everything, about reconciliation, and about being able to be there when disease strikes in the sunset years of life. I want to share this because we all need to know that we are not alone when we face life’s challenges”, says Kjensmo. He tells his stories, as he describes it “with a combination of dark humour and jovial humour”.
“Perhaps some will identify when I tell about my mistakes, shortcomings and experiences”, he adds.
A touching story
The idea for the play evolved after visiting more than 20 libraries in Norway in 2023 with his book on dementia.
“I noticed how people reacted when I told the story of my father. Many, especially seniors, enjoyed my humorous description of a topic that many find painful and difficult.”
He is afraid that there is a great deal of shame associated with diseases like dementia.
“A large part of this is ascribable to the fact that dementia changes people a little at a time as the disease progresses. The person one was, that is, the one that relatives knew, gradually disappears. Experiences, feelings and memories dissipate, and what is left then?”
More transparency
Kjensmo maintains that, luckily, the trend is moving in the direction of more transparency and less taboos surrounding this difficult disease.
“The TV show ‘Dementia Choir’ did a great job. Now there are at least 200 local dementia choirs. Many municipalities have established dementia contact points, politicians are talking about dementia-friendly communities, and many retail workers are learning how to treat people with dementia”, continues Kjensmo, mentioning just a few improvements.
The autumn’s performances are intended to pave the way for a nationwide tour next winter/spring.
“Theatre performances lend themselves well to this topic. I have performed thousands of stand-up shows earlier in my career, but this is slightly different.
I think it is good to temper a topic that is dead serious with humour in an effort to eliminate the taboos surrounding dementia.
The play will be performed in Kongsvinger, Drammen, Asker, Drøbak, Lillestrøm, Lillehammer, Kolbotn and Hamar.
Read more at www.faren-min.no
Fritt Ord has provided NOK 50 000 in support for the play.