Gwen Knox’s Scones with Nanna explores the emotional and cultural journey of a West Australian family grappling with dementia, particularly through the lens of First Nations heritage and identity. As her brother passes away, Knox decides to write a play inspired by her lost family members—her grandmother, aunt, sister, and brother. She admits, ‘I just thought I needed to write my family story before I got [dementia]’ — a moment that underscores the power of storytelling in preserving life’s essence despite illness. Set in the 1970s, the play centers on Scones with Nanna, a woman of Ballardong Noongar descent who grew up believing she was Maori. Her narrative delves into hidden Aboriginal culture, emerging women’s independence, and the slow erosion of memory, all while questioning whether truth-telling is ever truly possible when one’s identity is obscured. The play highlights how loss can be both painful and transformative, challenging audiences to confront their own biases and re-evaluate the role of history in shaping individual experiences. By blending personal reflection with broader societal themes, Knox’s work invites viewers to reconsider the intersection of memory, identity, and community in the face of disease. While the play’s message is rooted in grief and connection, its deeper implications extend beyond individual stories, reflecting on systemic barriers to care and the importance of awareness in advancing mental health support for marginalized populations.
