Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre’s New Film ‘The Poet’ Examines The Realties Of Those With Dementia

Artists have sometimes found ways to express the grief and surreal discord of dementia in various media. “The Poet” by the Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre takes a bold approach by using modern dance to tell the story of a father suffering from dementia.

Created by Terminus’ resident choreographer Tara Lee, and her partner, visual artist Joseph Guay, the film also incorporates poetry and ambitious filmmaking techniques to support the intimate dance performances by lead actors John Welker, playing the father, and Rachel Van Buskirk, playing his daughter and caretaker.

Filmmakers Lee and Guay joined “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes to share their experiences bringing this daring project to life.