Whether first- or secondhand, everyone knowns someone who has been impacted by memory loss.

A two-person production coming to the mainstage at Persephone Theatre this month aims to navigate the hardships of aging while also trying to maintain a long-term marriage.

Veteran actors Eileen Barrett and Peter Anderson play Sandy and Glen Golden, a couple that is supposed to be celebrating their 50-year anniversary.

“Everything takes place at our cottage that we’ve been coming to for 50 years’ worth of anniversaries. This is supposed to be our golden anniversary, but we’re actually not together anymore,” Barrett explains.

“She’s kicked me out of the house, and through the course of the play, it unfolds what’s going on in our relationship,” Anderson added.

The pair says tackling a topic like memory loss was hard to do, and it was something they had to handle with a great deal of respect.

“When does it become a problem? It’s never clear cut. Luckily, we’re still able to remember our lines,” Anderson chuckled.

“Most of the time!” Barrett chimed in.

Although the pair has known each other for about 40 years, this is their first time performing together. However, the level of trust and awareness the duo has is unmatched.

“You have to have an enormous amount of trust in your scene partner when it’s just the two of you, and that’s definitely the case here. It’s delightful to work with Peter. My biggest problem is that it’s hard not to laugh because he’s so funny.”

The pair says the play is both a comedy and a tear-jerker, mimicking a real long-term relationship, so the audience should expect a rollercoaster of emotions.

The Golden Anniversaries takes place on October 21st to November 1. Tickets are available at PersephoneTheatre.org or at the box office.