Forgotten

Dementia is rapidly becoming one of the leading causes of death in the Western world, affecting not only those diagnosed but also their families and loved ones. Forgotten takes audiences on an intimate journey through the mind of a person with dementia—through fear, confusion, memory loss, and ultimately, surrender to the unknown. Through a unique blend of choral music, electronics, and live performance, the production reveals the many faces of the condition: anxiety, hallucination, suspicion and disorientation.

At the heart of the performance is a powerful musical landscape shaped by recorder virtuoso Erik Bosgraaf and texts by Spinvis, creating a layered and immersive theatrical experience.

The origins of Forgotten are deeply personal. Former artistic director Tido Visser lost his father, the renowned opera singer Lieuwe Visser, to Lewy body dementia—a lesser-known form of dementia that causes not only memory loss, but also vivid hallucinations and delusions. Inspired by these experiences, the production tells the poignant story of a general practitioner who begins to recognise the early symptoms of dementia in himself.

Since its premiere in 2019, Forgotten has made a significant impact, moving audiences and sparking wider conversations about dementia. The project extended beyond the stage, with the Nederlands Kamerkoor initiating training programmes for caregivers and healthcare professionals, exploring the positive effects of singing with people living with dementia. The production has also contributed to scientific research into the role of music and singing in dementia care.