Performance Oploskoffie with Pythia Winia at Zuylen

Oploskoffie is a compelling and relatable portrayal of dementia and its impact on the immediate surroundings of the person with the condition. Theatre maker Pythia Winia performs this piece with humour and a growing dark edge, straight from the heart and as an experienced insider, breaking taboos and approaching the subject with respect.

The performance vividly depicts three women – grandmother, daughter and granddaughter – each dealing with the oldest woman's dementia in their own way. Grandmother Otillie is at the centre and “gradually slips away,” as granddaughter Otje observes, while daughter Til fulfils her caregiving role, both upwards and downwards.

Fear, humour, uncertainty, concealing forgetfulness, and searching for new logic to explain behaviour all pass the revue.

Winia, a versatile theatre maker who has been active for years as an actor, director, playwright, journalist, and pedagogue/psychologist, weaves autobiographical elements with experiences of others and comparable situations in Oploskoffie, creating a powerful and empathetic portrait that evokes recognition and emotion.