A thought-provoking stage production, The Moon and the Bakunawa: A Dementia Carer’s Story has recently been performed across major Australian cities, delving into the emotional and cultural complexities faced by dementia carers within the Filipino community. Supported and sponsored by Chung Wah Community Care (CWCC), the production highlights CWCC's commitment to diversity and culturally responsive care.
The play premiered at the State Library of Western Australia Theatre on 15 and 16 February 2025, drawing a broad audience from various cultural backgrounds and receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback. Among the audience were many carers who expressed deep appreciation for how the play authentically portrayed the challenges of dementia care. They felt the production raised public awareness and fostered greater recognition and respect for carers' roles. In multicultural communities, such understanding is incredibly vital — dementia is already a formidable challenge, and a lack of empathy or support can make the carer’s journey even more difficult.
Through its moving narrative and cultural nuances, the play resonated with audiences, reminding them that behind every person with dementia stands a carer who also needs care, understanding, and acknowledgement. The Moon and the Bakunawa beautifully captured the emotional toll on carers, offering a space for shared reflection and empathy.
The play’s writer and director, Nitoy Chan, drew inspiration from his personal experience caring for his mother. As her dementia progressed, she lost the ability to communicate in English, reverting only to her native language. This linguistic gap created a new layer of emotional distance. Chan described how difficult it was to comfort her without a shared language, yet it also taught him to find new ways of offering support and presence. His story, reflected on stage, made audiences reflect on the silent burdens carers carry, often within their own homes.
CWCC’s sponsorship of The Moon and the Bakunawa goes beyond cultural support — it is a testament to its long-standing dedication to carers in culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) communities. By helping to bring this powerful story to life, CWCC amplified the voices of those caring for loved ones with dementia, shining a light on the realities they face and encouraging society to engage more deeply with these issues.
Director Nitoy Chan praised CWCC's visionary leadership and expressed hope that society will continue to broaden its support for carers. While clinical services are essential, he also stressed the importance of emotional and culturally sensitive care. Only through a holistic approach can we truly alleviate the burdens carers shoulder — and show them that they are not alone, but supported by a compassionate community.
