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About the Production
Whilst a death in the family brings much sadness, particularly when it is someone one is close to, there are a range of other emotions which come into play such as regret, guilt and emptiness which have to be interspersed with the mundanity of funeral arrangements, competing family interests, inheritance and what to do with the loved one's remains.
As family and friends gather to celebrate the life of the dear departed, reminiscences are shared about childhood, significant events and stories. It may well be the case that the venue of a family holiday, or the year so and so got married might be the subject of lively debate. Perceptions and recollections of the same events inevitably differ between individuals.
'The Memory of Water' gives the audience a snapshot of these events as Vi's family gather to attend her funeral. Teresa the eldest daughter, has been left with the bulk of the responsibility as she has been the local family member, supporting Vi as her health declined. Her husband Frank has been away on business and is therefore absent, physically and emotionally, in the run up to the funeral. She takes her role seriously, finding comfort in the natural remedies she and Frank sell. Youngest sister Catherine is a free spirit, untroubled by thoughts of anyone but herself and desperate to find love and appreciation. She irritates her sisters as she parades her insecurities, attempting to comfort herself in a mass of unwise and unaffordable purchases, with one eye on the telephone. Then there is Mary the middle sister, trying to sleep in her dead mother's bed. She was the clever and confident one and is a successful Doctor. Yet she is disturbed by Vi's appearance in her thoughts and dreams. She has questions for her mother. She needs answers about the past. As for the future she has pinned her hopes of happiness on married TV Celebrity Doctor, Mike. Will he be able to give her all that she wants?
Shelagh Stephenson has cleverly wrapped her story in a witty and yet at times poignant script as the events leading up to the funeral unfold. Her characters are believable and their conversations, at times at times peppered with strong language, are recognisable exchanges between families thrown together at a time of emotional turmoil.
Inevitably such a piece will evoke thoughts of our own departed loved ones. My theatre loving mother would have enjoyed it. She would always insist on sitting in the front row for productions I was involved in. Maybe she is with us tonight.
Clare Philbrock
Director