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The Bell Lyre by K. Jenkins
October 2026 Update: Check out our Kickstarter campaign running October 6-November 6, 2026 supporting the theatre artists involved in the first full production and tour of The Bell Lyre!
The Play
In the not-so-distant future, on a floodplain nearby, a family struggles to fit a lifetime of memories into seven boxes. In the world of The Bell Lyre, musical instruments are constructed from broken clocks and wallboards, pies are baked from forgotten apples, and shields are donned to catch bullets. This magical realism play is a family drama that speaks to environmental degradation, gun violence, lost love, digital barrenness, and Alzheimer’s miracles.
Playwright Statement
Many people who have cared for a loved one with Alzheimer’s have experienced the potential for music to soothe, comfort, and connect. Music resonates not just for the person with dementia, but for caregivers, family, and friends. My stepfather, Richard Olsen, died in November 2024 after living with Alzheimer’s. He loved music, had a full bass voice, and sang in operas and with the local symphonic choir. When COVID hit, I spent a lot of time with him as I helped support my mother in her caregiver role. I watched his spirit lift when she played symphonies, choral concerts, and searched for all things musical for us to share together. Ric remembered lyrics and notes when he could not recall how to eat. Music brought new life each day. The play summons the power of music as we face change, trauma, and grief.
The Bell Lyre in development since 2024.
The Bell Lyre had a reading in the fall of 2024 at Firehouse as part of its Firsts Draft and Bagels reading series, followed by a one week staged, script in hand, developmental performance as a Pop-Up Premiere at Firehouse Theatre in the winter of 2025. The Bell Lyre is being developed to tour to a variety of inside spaces: community centers, schools, assisted living facilities, and even your living room! Currently in rehearsal to open/tour spring of 2027.
2027 Tour & Tickets:
Firehouse Fringe in Richmond, VA: March 11-21, 2027. Tickets available starting January 2, 2027 through Firehouse Theatre.
The Hamner Theatre in Charlottesville, VA: April 9-18, 2027. Tickets available through The Hamner Theatre.