(Posted 9/16/2024)

For adult children of aging parents, dementia is a horror story. In Philip Middleton Williams' excellent short play, father and son share some tender memories but the sense of dread that dementia creates is just under the surface — until it isn't. "A Moment of Clarity" is a beautiful and haunting short piece that's a gem for two actors, particularly two older actors.

This one will stay with you. It's an excellent short piece.

The call back at the end of this short play got me all emotional. In this short play Philip takes on the incredibly tough task of the situation that Clyde finds himself in. Dan, though is there, he's there to see it all the way through, to be the beacon, and once again Philip delivers authentic dialogue around a difficult situation.

Throughout this short play, I was in awe of the gentleness that Philip gives to Dan in his relationship with Clyde. Absolutely beautiful, well written, and impactful!

Philip Middleton Williams has written a painful, truthful situation for two characters to be played by older actors.

What I love about "A Moment of Clarity" is what isn't said. Clyde and Dan enjoy a moment of time and make the most of it, but they want more than just one -- who wouldn't? And they can't, and they know there may be fewer of them. And that hurts.