If our memories make us who we are, then who are we if there are gaps in it? What happens when our memory falters? When memories are deliberately suppressed? Or disappear subconsciously? In Blueprint on Memory, the first creation in Van den Broek‘s project The Memory Loss Collection, the performers manifest various mental as well as physical elements of memory loss. Disorientation and confusion, repetitive patterns and behavior, uncoordinated movement and recognition loss fill the space.

In Blueprint on Memory video, live projections, music, spoken word and emotions intermingle and simultaneously create a whole. The performers control the visuals and the sound. They can manipulate them whenever they please. The actual blueprint on the floor puts a huge strain on their mental and physical memory. To discover patterns in the chaos. At the same time, the ability to hold on to memories diminishes.

“The symbolism is as a clear as it is gripping without once becoming sentimental for even one second. Especially people who have experienced dementia and Alzheimer’s firsthand will recognize plenty. Impressive and stirring movement theater.” (NRC Handelsblad ★★★★★)

The Memory Loss Collection
In The Memory Loss Collection Ann Van den Broek delves into the topic of memory loss. This project is made up of three productions, a film, workshops, introductions and links to social organizations. Blueprint on Memory is the first production in the series that also consists of Zooming in on Loss and Memory Loss.

concept, direction and choreography Ann Van den Broek
original cast Marion Bosetti, Sjoerd Bruil, Louis Combeaud, Jean-Gabriel Maury, Nik Rajšek and an alternating cast consisting of: Camilla Branchetti, Anthony van Gog, Carla Ramos Guerra and Meike Stevens
musiccomposition Nicolas Rombouts and Sjoerd Bruil
video- and lighting design Bernie van Velzen
set design Niek Kortekaas
assistance Ann Van den Broek and lyrics Gregory Frateur
styling costumes Marielle Vos and Ann Van den Broek
outside eye Marc Vanrunxt
photography Maarten Vanden Abeele
premiere October 11, 2018, Nederlandse Dansdagen / Bordenhal, Maastricht (NL)

Blueprint on Memory is a WArd/waRD (NL/BE) production in coproduction with Theater Rotterdam (NL), ccBerchem (BE), TDutch Dance Festival (NL), La Briqueterie/Centre de développement chorégraphique du Val-de-Marne (FR) and is made possible with the financial support of Performing Arts Fund NL, City of Rotterdam (NL), Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds (NL), Stichting Bevordering van Volkskracht (NL), Erasmusstichting (NL), BankGiro Loterij Fonds (NL) and Stichting Dioraphte (NL).

“The symbolism is as clear as it is devastating without ever becoming sentimental. Especially people who have experienced dementia and Alzheimer’s firsthand will recognize plenty. Impressive and stirring movement theatre.”

– NRC Handelsblad (NL)

“A piercing live mix of movement, film, sound and spoken word about the dark, unknown world of an increasingly faltering memory.”

– de Volkskrant (NL)

“In her work Van den Broek always takes a subject that touches her personally by the horns and carves it down to its uncomfortable essence. This gives Blueprint on Memory great urgency.”

– Trouw (NL)

“A universal production about memory and identity – a penetrating, severe and focused movement exercise that will haunt you long after you have left the theatre.”

– Het Parool (NL)