Jello Brain, written and performed by Natalie Grove, this play previously known as I’ll be with you in a minute, is a masterful creation of theatrical multi-tasking. Dedicated to her actual mother Cynthia Grove, Natalie invites us to know her mother by various means such as imitation, some gestures and, at the very core, the early onset of Alzheimer’s.
Directed by Terra Mackintosh, the subject matter of this play is complex and traumatic. Therefore, we could easily expect a play full of sorrow or injustice, but what Natalie does is very cleverly mix comedy so that we are not laughing along with dementia, but rather with the actual essence of two characters – the mother and Natalie.
Natalie has an infectious way about her and she clearly expresses her thoughts which stumble, hesitate and reflect the emotions of someone grappling with the decline of a parent. There is the impression of a brave young woman doing her absolute best by her mother, but Natalie needs a platform to be heard too and is awaiting genetic testing results which will cast light on the likelihood of developing dementia.
There is much back and forth with avoiding these results and some references to the character’s own knowledge and interest in the human brain. Astoundingly, she recites many facts about synapses and the function of the brain relating to Alzheimer’s. We can detect Natalie’s coping strategies throughout the play; however, she has found some anxiety-reducing medication which may become problematic.
With limited props and frequent descriptions of situations and locations, the audience have in Natalie Grove a narrator as well as a character, and some touching stories are revealed, like how her mother behaves during activity sessions and how she wears inappropriate clothes. It is with warmth, compassion and openness that Natalie presents her mother.
The vulnerability we are witnessing is portrayed excellently; however, there are certain moments where fragility and immaturity intertwine and Natalie could be any age, even a young adolescent.
There is a poignant scene where she speaks of only wanting to focus on breathing – her despair evident. The audio team plays a huge role, with messages and phone calls at regular intervals.
The journey we are taken on in Jello Brain allows us to laugh, understand and experience the heartache which has shaken Natalie Grove’s world. She does not hold back with her romantic interests and piques us with her hopes and imagination. A very sharp performance untangling the layers of pain and human relationships.
