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Based on the true story of"HM," a man who was treated for epilepsy in the 1950s when he was 16; as a result he suffered permanent loss of the ability to form new memories. In this play, a fictional neuroscientist, Dr. Laura Nebbens, is haunted by her memories as she treats a man who hasn't had a new memory in 55 years.
The structure of the play mimics the fluidity of memory by blurring the distinctions between time and place. The main actions of the play take place in the 1940s/50s and the present.
People from the different time periods interact with each other. The young and old HM and the young and old Dr. Nebbins, at times, appear on the stage at the same time.
Claire is an African American woman who once was Dr. Nebbens life partner, but is now a memory that haunts her throughout the play. She acts as Dr. Nebbens conscience with her frequent refrain, “Without his memory how does he know he is?” Dr. Nebbens is also haunted by the sound of whispering.
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Seeking:
YOUNG H.M.
In the beginning H.M. is an exuberant boy filled with life, ready to charge into adult life. Later he becomes embittered, angry, disappointed. He wears glasses.
His age ranges from 16-27 during the play
BEV/LAURA
These two characters are played by the same actor. Bev is a coquettish teenaged girl who only wants to get married and have babies like most teenaged girls of her generation. (1940’s) Her age range is 16-21. Laura is the young Dr. Nebbens. Age: mid-to-late twenties.
DAD/OLD H.M
These two characters are played by the same actor. Dad is a hardworking middle aged electrician with the values of working class people of the 1940s, 1950s. Age range: 40s-50s. Old H.M. is an elderly, happy man who wants to be helpful. Age range: 80s.
MOM
A middle aged working class housewife with the values of that class in the 1940s,-1950s. Age Range: 40-50s.
DR NEBBINS
An accomplished female neuroscientist who could be in her late fifties to late sixties.
CLAIRE
African-American woman. Age range: mid-twenties. Once was Dr. Nebbens life partner, but is now a memory that haunts her throughout the play.
DOCTOR in CLINIC/DR. THOMAS SCUTTER
These two characters are played by the same actor. Doctor in Clinic is an overworked resident. Age range: mid-to-late thirties. Dr. Thomas Scutter is a Neurosurgeon. Harvard graduate. He speaks with a New England accent. Age range: late 40s early 50s.
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