FOLLOWING more than 200 performances across the globe, the U.K.’s Theatre Re will present two nights of its international hit, “The Nature of Forgetting,” for local fans next month.

The explosive and joyous show is a poignant and visually stunning exploration of memory, identity, and the bittersweet beauty of life.

Conceived and directed by Guillaume Pigé, the piece follows Tom, a 55-year-old man living with early-onset dementia, as he prepares for his birthday party. What begins as a simple morning routine quickly transforms into a kaleidoscopic journey through his past. From the innocence of first love to the joy of fatherhood, Tom’s memories resurface in vivid fragments, each tinged with the heartbreak of what is slipping away.

What makes the show extraordinary is its commitment to physical storytelling. Words are few, yet the emotional resonance is profound.

The original live music, composed and performed by Alex Judd alongside Henry Webster and Nathan Gregory, is sublime. It weaves through the action like a second narrative, lifting scenes to euphoric heights and grounding others in quiet sorrow.

The visually marvelous movement is choreographed with meticulous care, each gesture layered with meaning. Costumes and props, designed by Malik Ibheis, evoke nostalgia without sentimentality, while Katherine Graham’s lighting design adds texture and emotional depth.

At the center of the stage, a small cube symbolizes the human brain, unfolding the reel of Tom’s past like a time machine.

Developed in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Society and neuroscience expert Professor Kate Jeffery, the production is rooted in both scientific insight and human truth. It took the creative team 16 months to produce the show, which is intellectually rigorous and emotionally generous. They interviewed numerous patients and their caregivers, drawing inspiration from these conversations.

“When we remember, we build and rebuild memories,” Pigé explains, adding that introducing physical elements into this process of memory reconstruction helps people better understand the concept of “forgetting.”

“The Nature of Forgetting” is a celebration of life in all its complexity. It reminds us that even as memories fade, something essential remains. This is a production that transcends language and borders — a masterpiece of physical theater that speaks directly to the soul.

Founded in 2011, Theatre Re is an ensemble of artists from diverse backgrounds. The company’s name draws from the English prefix “re,” symbolizing rediscovery and reimagination.

The company has completed six mid- to large-scale productions, with sold-out shows well received by global audiences. Their works have toured to MimeLondon, Broadway, the Hong Kong Arts Festival, and the Cervantes International Art Festival in Mexico.

The show lasts 70 minutes without intermission.

Time: 8 p.m., Dec. 3-4

Venue: Nanshan Culture and Sports Center Theater, Nanshan District (南山文体中心)

Metro: Line 1 or 12 to Taoyuan Station (桃园站), Exit B, then walk around 900 meters

(Li Dan)