by dawn bamforth
The Vessel
14 - 18 OCTOBER | THEATRE WORKS
by dawn bamforth
The Vessel is a deeply moving and compassionate journey into the life of Mary, a woman in the palliative stages of dementia. Through fragments of memory and feeling, Mary shares her story — one shaped by love, loss, and the quiet moments that linger long after words begin to fade.
This intimate new work gently explores the complex world of aged care — the emotional weight carried by those who give and receive care, and the small acts of tenderness that can offer comfort in the most uncertain of times.
The Vessel invites audiences to reflect, remember, and connect. It’s a heartfelt story for anyone who has cared for someone, watched a loved one change, or wondered what it means to truly be seen.
VENUE
Theatre Works
14 Acland Street, St Kilda
DURATION
60 Minutes
WARNINGS
ACCESSIBILITY
Theatre Works is a wheelchair accessible venue. A full access guide will be available closer to the date.
“A powerful yet intimate portrait of dementia. The door opened and memories came. Light, love, loss, fun and fear. Not gone, still present, in another dimension. Inviting us to take time for connection, validation and care. Brilliant script. Stelar cast." - Angela (Kerang) - 2023
DATES + TIMES
Tue 14 Oct 6:00PM
Wed 15 Oct 6:00PM
Thu 16 Oct 6:00PM
Fri 17 Oct 6:00PM
Sat 18 Oct 6:00PM
Theatre Works has a lockout policy for latecomers. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to ensure you don't miss out.
Refunds will not be issued to latecomers.
TICKETS
FULL PRICE
$35.00
CONCESSION
$28.00
Theatre Works has been long established as the south-side festival hub in Melbourne.
Theatre Works’ MELBOURNE FRINGE FESTIVAL HUB will be buzzing with 17 shows across our two venues - a bold showcase of the full spectrum of independent performance and the brilliant, boundary-pushing artists who make it possible.
*Seniors, Student, MEAA, Health Care and Low Income card holders
CREDITS
WRITER & PRODUCER
Dawn Bamforth
DIRECTOR AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Paul Canlan
CAST
Suzanne Sandow – Mary
Ian Rooney – Simon (Nurse) and Joe
Christina Curtain-Magee – Kat (Daughter)
Melanie Thomas – Sally (Personal Care Assistant)
Tanya Rich – Grace (Volunteer)
MEET THE ARTIST -
Dawn Bamforth
Dawn worked as an actor and producer for many years in Melbourne. This is her first foray into playwriting and over the past two years she has had the privilege of working with a wonderfully collaborative team of regional actors and creatives to bring her play – The Vessel to light. This new work is currently on its’ third incarnation and was initially inspired by a poem she wrote on the death of her own mother with dementia, at the end of her life in aged care.
