Neurologists disagree over how memory works.
A case study by neurologist Oliver Sacks tells of a woman (referred to as "Mrs O’C") who starts to remember things from her early childhood she had long forgotten.
The woman had been brought up in a children’s home and had few memories of her mother, who died when she was five.
After seeing multiple doctors and being put through numerous tests, it is discovered she has had a stroke, which is causing seizures in her temporal lobe.
Theatre company Theatre DaCapo have devised a new show inspired by the study. Michael Callahan, director and producer of the show, says: "The science is fascinating — the question of what is happening to her.
"Is she really remembering these things? Is she getting fragmentary memories and then filling in the gaps with her imagination? Or is it a complete fabrication created by her brain?"
Those involved in the show consulted specialists in the field to ensure all the science included in it is accurate.
Another side-effect of Mrs O’C’s seizures is that she starts to hear music no one else can hear. In Theatre DaCapo’s production, all the music the central character hears is played live on stage by the actors.
Mr Callahan says: "It’s a profoundly hopeful show about recapturing the past."
Reminiscence is on at Jacksons Lane, in Archway Road, Highgate, from September 9 to 20, at 8pm, with matinees at 2pm on September 14 and 17.
Tickets cost £12.50 (concessions £10.50) and are available from the box office on 020 8341 4421.
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