News Summary
The Wallis Annenberg Center in Beverly Hills will host the world premiere of ‘UnRavelled,’ a multi-media play focusing on frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Running from October 17 to 19, the festival aims to highlight the struggles of individuals living with this lesser-known type of dementia through performances, expert panel discussions, and interactive displays. Written by Jake Broder, the play intertwines the lives of notable figures affected by FTD, furthering understanding and empathy towards this condition.
Beverly Hills
The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts is set to host the world premiere of “UnRavelled,” a multi-media play that is a central feature of a groundbreaking festival dedicated to raising awareness about frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Scheduled from October 17 to 19, 2025, the event will shine a spotlight on the challenges faced by individuals living with this often-overlooked form of dementia, which is notably the most common type affecting those under 60, including actor Bruce Willis, who has publicly shared his diagnosis.
Event Overview and Highlights
“UnRavelled,” written by award-winning playwright Jake Broder, delves into the lives of two notable figures affected by FTD: Canadian painter and scientist Dr. Anne Adams and French composer Maurice Ravel. The play showcases their struggles and contributions to the arts while navigating the complexities of their illnesses. Directed by James Bonas, the production features a talented cast, including Lucy Davenport, Andrew Borba, Leo Marks, Tracey A. Leigh, and Larry Poindexter, along with live music performed by accomplished musicians Rachel Iba, Michelle Elliott Rearick, Aron Kallay, Nathaniel Edison, and Randy Gloss.
Festival Features
Attendees can expect an engaging festival experience that goes beyond the performance of the play. The event will include panel discussions featuring medical experts, caregivers, and advocates, associated with renowned institutions like Cedars-Sinai, UCLA, and UCSF, as well as the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration. These discussions aim to foster a deeper understanding of FTD, its effects, and the experiences of those living with the condition.
In addition, the festival will present interactive displays created by For Their Thoughts that simulate the experiences of individuals dealing with dementia. A major highlight of the event is the first exhibition of Dr. Anne Adams’ paintings, which will also feature brain scans illustrating the neurological changes related to her artistic creativity. A reflective installation, the Redwood Forest, will pay tribute to caregivers and will be displayed in The Wallis’ Sculpture Garden.
Supporting Resources and Outreach
Organizations such as Alzheimer’s Los Angeles, BrightFocus Foundation, Hilarity for Charity, and Lilly Pharmaceuticals will provide resources and support materials throughout the festival. Each ticket purchased for “UnRavelled” will grant full access to the entire festival experience, enabling attendees to engage with various activities and discussions.
Outreach will include Cedars-Sinai Grand Rounds, art therapy workshops, and the launch of an LA Caregiver Roadmap that focuses specifically on FTD care strategies. The aim of these additional programs is to increase awareness and provide practical guidance for caregivers and families affected by this type of dementia.
Art, Science, and the Human Experience
Jake Broder emphasizes that “UnRavelled” seeks to highlight the connection between FTD and creativity, suggesting that ongoing research into the brain’s functions during neurodegenerative changes could uncover significant insights. By intertwining art and science, the play and accompanying festival intend to inspire vital conversations surrounding the themes of dementia, creativity, and the caregiving experience.
This festival represents a crucial effort to raise awareness about frontotemporal dementia, a condition that not only impacts those diagnosed but also families and communities as a whole. With the combined forces of art and science, the event promises to create a platform for understanding the complexities of living with FTD, fostering an environment where discussions can bloom and awareness can grow.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
World Premiere of ‘UnRavelled’ to Explore Frontotemporal Dementia
Additional Resources
- Local News Pasadena: Unravelling Stigma to Find Common Threads
- Broadway World: UnRavelled Brain Health Festival
- Wikipedia: Frontotemporal Dementia
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dementia
- Google Search: Frontotemporal Dementia
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
