Caltech to Host Play and Moderated Discussion about Neurodegenerative Disorder

UnRavelled, a play that tells the true story of a scientist turned painter who became captivated by the works of composer Maurice Ravel, with whom she shared a neurodegenerative disorder, will be performed as a staged reading on the Caltech campus on May 3.

The play was commissioned by the Global Brain Health Institute and explores the science and effects of frontotemporal dementia, which can have profound effects on personality, emotions, and the ability to use language.

The reading, organized by the play's author, actor and writer Jake Broder (Silicon Valley, How I Met Your Mother), will be directed by Nike Doukas and feature the cast from the original online production (unravelledplay.com) that debuted in 2021. It will be held from 7–9 p.m. in Baxter Lecture Hall and is open to all members of the Caltech community. Registration is not required, but attendees will be asked to show a Caltech ID before being admitted. The use of high-quality masks is required.

On May 5, from 7–8 p.m. in Dabney Lounge, Broder will participate in a discussion about the science and art of the play with Caltech's Colin Camerer, Robert Kirby Professor of Behavioral Economics, T&C Chen Center for Social and Decision Neuroscience Leadership Chair, and director of the T&C Chen Center for Social and Decision Neuroscience. The discussion will be moderated by Cindy Weinstein, the Eli and Edythe Broad Professor of English.

The discussion is also open to all members of the Caltech community with no registration required. Again, high-quality masks are required.

Funding for both evenings is provided by the James Michelin Distinguished Visitors Program, the Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Institute for Neuroscience, and T&C Chen Center for Social and Decision Neuroscience.