STILL DREAMING, the latest feature documentary from Hank Rogerson and Jilann Spitzmiller (SHAKESPEARE BEHIND BARS, HOMELAND), will have its world premiere at DOC NYC, the United States' largest documentary film festival, tonight, November 18th, 2014 at 7:15pm and November 19th, 2014 at 5pm.
STILL DREAMING documents a unique take on Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' as performed by a group of retired actors, dancers and musicians at the Lillian Booth Actors Home. These former Broadway veterans embark on a journey through this magical play at the urging of the Home's administrators, who see this as a way to boost quality of life for the residents. As the rehearsal process unfolds, the actors find themselves experiencing both the pain and exhilaration of re-immersion in their life's work amidst the difficulties of old age. At the same time, the troupe's young co-directors, Ben Steinfeld and Noah Brody of NYC's celebrated Fiasco Theater, struggle to maintain forward momentum with this ensemble of octogenarians. Alzheimer's, dementia, and even minor issues such as sight and hearing loss create constant crises. As the troupe pushes forward, the play's themes of perception, reality vs. dreaming, and memory become extremely relevant. Ultimately, the play's performance turns out to be a vital reminder of the value of engaging in our dreams and the creative process, no matter the circumstance.Videos