MEMORY opens February 22 and runs through March 9
The Tillamook Association for the Performing Arts (TAPA) and TLC Federal Credit Union are
pleased to bring the production of Memory, TAPA’s 3rd production of the 2012-13 season, to
Tillamook. Memory consists of two one-act plays (I Can’t Remember Anything and The 75th),
both exploring memory and growing older in different ways. In a wonderful mix of the theater, these plays
offer comedy, drama, and bittersweet moments. We all struggle with memory from time to time. It’s
something that can happen no matter what age we are. However, as we grow older we find that
memory can be a bit elusive at times. Memories can be precious and vivid then foggy and haunting.
I Can’t Remember Anything is the story of two neighbors portrayed by Robert Kratz and Sandra
Koops. She is a widow whose life seems to be stuck since her husband’s death and he is the
gruff best friend of her late husband. Both often share meals together to keep each other
company and reminisce of times gone by. The two old friends trade lighthearted banter and
stinging exchanges to express their conflicting views of “life’s truths”. At the same time, they
reveal to us their enduring mutual affection and the importance of companionship as the
shadow of mortality lengthens. I Can’t Remember Anything was written by beloved American
playwright Arthur Miller. Many have considered him to be one of the greatest dramatists of the
twentieth century. Other noteworthy works of Miller include Death of a Salesman and The
Crucible.
The 75th is set in a restaurant for the occasion of the seventy-fifth reunion of a high-school
class—of which only two members remain, portrayed by Terri Winkle and Bill Farnum. Now in
their nineties, the two mistake each other for several other classmates and can’t quite
remember their real identities. As they put the pieces of the puzzle together, their memories
become clearer and they recall their old friendships. The past begins to clarify and emerge
through touching, funny and revealing banter. The play shows us how the decisions and actions
we make so casually in our youth follow us for the rest of our lives. And how significant those
decisions and actions truly are. The 75th was written by Israel Horovitz, who wrote his first play
when he was 17 years old. Since then he has written over 70 plays that have been translated
and performed in more than 30 languages worldwide. Horovitz also wrote the screenplay for the
1982 film Author! Author!
The director of Memory is Bill Farnum. Bill has been involved in theater since 1980 in California
and here in Oregon. Over the years Bill has served on the TAPA board of directors, has directed
two other productions (Sylvia and Scotland Road) and has been on stage acting and singing in
several other TAPA productions.
Memory will be performed at the newly remodeled Barn Community Theater, located at 12th &
Ivy in Tillamook. Show times are at 7:00 pm on February 22, 23, March 1, 2, 8, 9 and also at
2:00 pm on February 24 and March 3. Doors open one-half hour prior to curtain; reserved
seating is recommended as is available through Diamond Art Jewelers at (503) 842-7940. For information,
please visit them on facebook, or contact info@tillamooktheater.com.
Back row: Bill Farnum and Terri Winkle
Front row: Sandra Koops and Robert Kratz
