And so they sing

An online documentary series

in post production

SYNOPSIS: 

In 2019, Faramarz K-Rahber and Olivia Gane were approached by former documentarian Mark Chapman, who suffered from a severe life-altering stroke in 2007 which forced him to sacrifice a successful career. Mark wanted to shine a light on the astounding progress of Logan City's Aphasia choir, helping victims feel the benefits of melodic intonation therapy and connection to their community by singing songs together. Founded by stroke victim Peter Stuart and speech pathologists Jennifer Lethlean and Lydia Brown, the group of forty-odd patrons facilitates a space for friendship, laughter and healing. After months of filming the proceedings of the choir and getting to know the participants, we focused on six key subjects from various walks of life: Lydia (our choir leader), Tracey Weston, Tim Martin, Christine & Mal McCouat, Mary Forrester and Kerry Vogel, telling their stories in 7 x 10-15 minute episodes.

We interview each of these bright personalities to find out what it's like to live with a disorder that less than 10% of people know about, bringing awareness to their biggest challenges, and where in their altered lives they still find joy, hope and gratitude. We speak with family members and carers who are dedicated to helping these survivors retain a sense of worth in a society that seemingly doesn't have time for them, where most social interactions leave them feeling lonely and misunderstood. During the pandemic, we're confronted with a harsh reality, wherein typically accessible technology becomes a burden to those who can't connect online, resulting in devastating effects on the mental health of our subjects. 

Between Jennifer and Lydia, we gain scientific insights into the effects of Aphasia on the brain, highlighting through a vibrantly animated segment how various types of the disorder can affect facets of speech, language comprehension and motor function in the body. 

Our hearts melt entirely as we follow the incredible journey of Lydia's 'Song for Aphasia' - a piece she composed based on answers collected from the choir in response to a survey about their day-to-day obstacles and hopes. Lyrics include lines such as "treat me the same; I'm still the same person... don't forget about me." After teaching the choir to sing it, Lydia and the crew arrange for a formal recording session and music video as an emotional tribute to their shared triumphs. 

Through humorous mingling sessions, lump-in-throat interviews and hospital performances that bring nurses to tears, this series speaks to the determination in the human spirit, and the eternal power of music in bringing us together to find each other, and ourselves. It's cathartic relief for those who live as or work alongside stroke victims, and serves as a must-see for those who don't. 

Whether you are familiar with Aphasia or have never heard the word before Bruce Willis's stroke, fall in love with the courageous hearts, cheeky humour and fighting spirits of those whose voices deserve to be heard... and so they sing. 

"Aphasia brings up existential questions that get to the heart of human connection: Who are we without language?"

 ~ Charlotte Rogers ~

"Wisdom is the reward you get from a lifetime of listening when you'd have preferred to talk." 

~ Doug Larson ~