THE CATALOGUE OF FORGETTING
Photo by Fiona Cullen
PROGRAM
Unconventional, joyous and genuinely moving,
THE CATALOGUE OF FORGETTING delves into the tug of war
between remembering and forgetting.
6:30pm
Sat 1st March 2025
Grange Community Hall
187 Wilston Road, Newmarket, QLD, 4051
Location
$20 donation at the door (or pay what you can)
A 10-year reunion is unfolding in the local community hall. The committee is busy preparing for the party, the smell of baking cake fills the air, music plays, stories are shared and laughter fills the air.
But what happens when memories blur, when someone’s version of the past doesn’t match our own, when the line between remembering and forgetting becomes blurred?
A community-driven project, THE CATALOGUE OF FORGETTING brings together professional artists, WaW Dance (a collective of mature women) with local volunteers. Conceived and directed by Wendy (Eddie) McPhee in collaboration with the participants production is developed through a series of workshops, culminating in a semi-improvised performance that is both playful and deeply resonant.
PERFORMERS
Beverley Giles - to dance, with music, is to be fully, joyously, alive.
Clare Apelt - is happiest when she is dancing with people!
Judy MacSporran - can't remember life before dance, and plans to dance forever.
Julie Denniss - loves the focus and camaraderie of being part of a group of friends engaged in a creative process.
Margaret Clifford - began dancing late in life - but it was always there, longing to break out.
Nereda Denington - simply loves the friendship and opportunities being a mature dancer has given her.
Rana Jewell - loves colour. She exudes Joy, is constantly re-imagining herself and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Shona McKenzie - feels very honoured to have the opportunity to work with a wonderful group of women.
PHOTOGRAPHER
Fiona Cullen
MUSIC
Original compositions: Madeleine Cocolas
PRODUCTION
Creator/Director: Wendy (Eddie) McPhee
Production: Georgia Bale
Producing Assistance: David Gerrand
Script: Wendy (Eddie) McPhee in collaboration with performers
Cinematographer: Saraoj Chauhan
THANK YOU
Sarah Kirkham
Robyn Holdway
Wendy Raitelli
Paula Maddern
Anni Webster
Natasha Hayes
Tove Vine
Jo-Anne Desailly
Richard Wood
Meg Cooper
Mad Dance House
Richard Vella
Libby Giles
Glen Murray
The Pole Gym family
Family and friends
We would greatly appreciate your support for this self-produced project
BSB: 923 100
Account: 67906722
Name: The Catalogue
BACKGROUND
The idea for THE CATALOGUE OF FORGETTING emerged over seven years ago, shaped by three key influences:
- The philosophical musings of Paul Ricoeur’s Memory, History, Forgetting (which has also served as an exercise block and door stop along the way).
- My mother’s experience living with dementia.
- And most profoundly, my work with this incredible group of women—some of whom have been part of this journey since 2013. Their stories are woven into the fabric of the piece, resonating deeply with audiences. I am deeply grateful to them and to everyone who has contributed creatively to this work.
This performance creates a space for the audience to imagine. They are both guests and observers, immersed in a world where memory is fluid. The structure is built on improvisation, shaped by the performers’ own stories and visualisations.
Structured improvisation is one of the most challenging forms in theatre. It demands immense trust, generosity, and openness—qualities that these performers embody with extraordinary courage.
Community and Touring:
THE CATALOGUE OF FORGETTING is designed as a community-driven project, ideally suited for touring regional centres, performing in those wonderful community halls where the scent of brewing tea, toilet cleaner, and freshly baked scones lingers in the air.
The work takes shape through a series of community workshops held in the weeks leading up to each performance. Like a country town fête—where everyone plays a part—this process invites participants to step outside their daily routines, break a few rules, and rediscover themselves. It culminates in a semi-improvised performance that is authentic, playful, and deeply moving.
Set within a reunion party, the "committee" prepares, reminisces, and navigates life before the guests arrive. The piece examines the possibility that forgetting can be a gift, rather than a loss—without diminishing the profound impact of memory on our society.
Development:
As Mature Program Coordinator for ADC’s Mature Ensemble (2021–2023), I began exploring early concepts for this work in a short development in 2023. In 2024, I independently self-produced two creative development periods, leading to the first full draft and a segment showcased at CONNECT 2024. The current version of the performance took shape during a short but intensive rehearsal period, evolving into its latest incarnation.
Acknowledgements:
This work was created with a core group of remarkable women—astounding, astonishing, phenomenal humans. Thank you for your trust in me and in this process. Your commitment and courage mean everything.
Deep gratitude to:
Georgia Bale – Without you, none of this would have happened. I am beyond grateful.
Fiona Cullen – For beautifully capturing the evolution of this work over the past year.
Richard Wood – For believing in this project from the very beginning and supporting it with generosity.
David Gerrand & Sarah Kirkham – For keeping me (and the work) grounded and sane.
Madeleine Cocolas– For weaving this piece together with your evocative and moving music.
Community Involvement details:
THE CATALOGUE OF FORGETTING is accessible to anyone with a desire to connect to their community. Along with the core group of mature women, the project invites a team of volunteers from the local community to be part of the performance. Everyone is welcome, no prior dance or performance experience is needed. Volunteers can be aged 18 upwards, any ethnicity, or gender.
© TheCatalogueOfForgetting