Unlocking 7 Chests: Judith’s Journey to Bluebeard’s Castle"

As opening night of Bluebeard’s Castle approaches, we invite you to join us in exploring the profound emotional landscapes this story reveals.

This award-winning production is a deeply moving portrayal of Judith’s journey as she faces memory loss due to dementia. Together, we’ll witness how this struggle impacts not only her but also her husband, Bluebeard, as they reflect on the life they’ve built and the memories they’ve shared.

It’s a journey of love, loss, and resilience—one that promises to be emotional, but ultimately, deeply rewarding. We hope you’ll take this meaningful journey with us.

If you’ve missed any part of our weekly emotional countdown, don’t worry — you can catch up here. We invite you to join the conversation and share your memories with us as we honour this poignant and deeply moving production.

To skip to the week you missed, click on the week alone.

WEEK 1: CURIOSITY & NEW BEGINNINGS
WEEK 2: LOVE & YOUR FIRST HOME
WEEK 3: JOY & YOUR FIRST LOVE

Open the 1st Door in your Journey to Bluebeard’s Castle

Photo by Dahlia Katz | Bluebeard’s Castle performed by Against the Grain Theatre

Today, we are 7 weeks away from the opening night of Bluebeard’s Castle, and we invite you to join us on a powerful journey.

This isn’t the Bluebeard’s Castle you know - it’s an award-winning reimagining by Stephen Higgins and Daisy Evans. This bold new production delves into themes of memory, identity, and the courage it takes to confront life’s uncertainties.

As Judith continues to open a chest, releasing moments from her past, she explores her memories and identity while grappling with the reality of Alzheimer’s. Each time the chest is opened it reveals pieces of her story, reflecting a profound and deeply human experience.

In the weeks leading up to opening night, we’ll mirror Judith’s journey by opening our own chests of memories of moments that shape us. We invite you to reflect with us, to celebrate life’s beauty, and to honour the journey Judith will take on stage this February.

Today, we open the chest for the first time together and explore curiosity and new beginnings.

New beginnings are moments of transformation. They can be exciting, challenging, or both, but they always mark turning points in our lives. For Judith, this new beginning brings her face-to-face with the loss of her memories and the journey to rediscover what they mean to her sense of self. Her story is a testament to resilience, courage, and the complexities of being human.

Join the Conversation
As we count down to opening night, we invite you to reflect on personal experiences and memories, just as Judith does in her journey with Alzheimer’s.

What new beginnings has shaped your life?
We’d love to hear from you! Join the conversation on Instagram and Facebook, and share your reflections on curiosity, new beginnings, and the journeys that define us.

What Does “Home” Mean to You?

Photo by Dahlia Katz | Bluebeard’s Castle performed by Against the Grain Theatre

Today we open the chest for a second time in our countdown to Bluebeard’s Castle - this time inviting you to reflect on home and love, two deeply intertwined parts of our lives.

In February, we’ll follow Judith’s journey as she navigates the realities of memory loss. Her home - the one she built with Bluebeard - is a constant thread in her life, filled with family, shared moments, and the memories they created together. But as her memories begin to fade, even this once-familiar place starts to feel foreign, amplifying the sense of loss.

Through it all, Judith’s anchor is love. The love that transformed a house into a home remains steadfast, built over the years of trust and companionship with Bluebeard.

If someone asked you about your first home, what would come to mind? Perhaps it’s the house you grew up in, filled with childhood memories and family traditions. Or maybe it’s the first place you called your own, where independence blossomed, and every corner reflected your identity.

First homes are as unique as the people who inhabit them, yet they all share a common thread: love and belonging.

As she opens the doors to her past, each tied to memories and experiences that shaped her life, Judith is faced with the bittersweet truth: love remains, but the memories that once gave it shape are slipping away.

Join the Conversation: Share Your Memories of Home
Do you have a photo, keepsake, or object that reminds you of home? Send us a picture of it and a short note of what it means to you.

Judith’s Journey with Love

Photo by Dahlia Katz | Bluebeard’s Castle performance by Against the Grain Theatre

Falling in love is often a time of intense emotion and discovery. It’s when every glance feels electric, every word carries meaning, and the world seems bright - filled with endless possibilities. That person is always on your mind, and no matter what challenges arise, the memory of those moments can light the way forward.

Even in life’s hardest moments, the memory of love has a way of grounding us, reminding us of joy, connection, and hope.

Today, we open the chest for the 3rd time in Judith’s Journey - a chest filled with joy and love. As she unlocks parts of her past, Judith rediscovers fleeting moments that echo the thrill of falling in love. These memories, though bright and full of life, are bittersweet. They remind her of the beauty she’s experienced, but also of the fragility of holding on to them.

Judith clings to these moments, knowing they shape her identity, even as the inevitability of losing them makes her journey both heart-wrenching and profound.

Join the Conversation: Share Your Love Songs
Love and music go hand in hand, capturing the magic of connection in ways that span genres, decades, and cultures. To celebrate this universal love language, we’re creating a playlist dedicated to love - and we’d love your input!

Whether it’s an operatic aria that stirs your soul or a song that reminds you of your first love, your favourite tunes belong on this playlist. Help us show the many ways music celebrates love. Share your songs and be part of the story.

Here’s how it works: Submit your songs in the form below, we’ll build the ultimate love song playlist, and then we’ll share it with you to enjoy.