A fantastical adventure that balances the weight of grief and dementia with the joy and wonder of a richly imagined life.
The Fantastic Life of Minnie Rubinski is a thoughtful and visually engaging exploration of memory, identity, and the effects of dementia. Presented by Vision Mechanics, this immersive installation invites audiences into the intimate world of Minnie Rubinski, an octogenarian living in a care home, as she remembers her remarkable—yet fragmented—life. The experience is equal parts tender and imaginative, a carefully constructed balance of emotional depth and artistic precision.
The installation immediately draws you into its world through a striking centrepiece: a softly pulsing brain made from duvet-like materials. Its inviting pink hues suggest comfort and warmth, while darker shades at its base hint at the encroaching shadows of Minnie’s condition. Around the room, monitors display looping vignettes from Minnie’s life, accessible via headphones. The immersive soundscapes and visual details pull you into her memories, which oscillate between the fantastical and the mundane, weaving together moments of joy, loss, and whimsy.
There is no single path through Minnie’s story. The audience is encouraged to explore at their own pace, piecing together her memories like a puzzle. Small recurring details act as breadcrumbs, linking the vignettes into a larger narrative, though part of the experience’s charm lies in its ambiguity. It’s an invitation to reflect not just on Minnie’s life, but on the fluid and often unreliable nature of memory itself.
The puppetry is a standout feature, showcasing Vision Mechanics’ renowned craftsmanship. The marionettes are intricately designed, with wooden faces that, though fixed in their expressions, convey a surprising range of emotion through their movements. Whether it’s a joyful dog wagging its tail or Minnie herself slumping in quiet contemplation, the subtle shifts in body language feel deeply expressive.
The sets are just as impressive, meticulously crafted to reflect different eras of Minnie’s life. Hairstyles and costumes change across the vignettes, marking the passage of time and grounding the audience in specific periods. These details, combined with the puppets’ movements, create a rich and textured world that feels alive.
The bespoke soundtrack, designed by Ewan Macintyre, that accompanies each looping reel, also deserves its own special mention. Evocative and thought provoking, the music fits perfectly with each scene, complementing the emotions beautifully and ensuring that each vignette stands strong in their own right as an engaging piece of mini theatre.
What truly sets The Fantastic Life of Minnie Rubinski apart is its sensitive portrayal of dementia. Inspired by Creative Director Kim Bergsagel’s personal experiences with her mother, the show captures both the heartbreak and complexity of living with memory loss. Minnie’s memories blur the lines between reality and imagination, reflecting the confusion and disorientation of dementia. Yet, there are moments of humour and warmth that shine through, reminding us of the resilience and beauty of the human spirit.
The installation also excels in creating an intimate atmosphere. With only six audience members admitted per session, the experience feels personal and immersive. Each vignette is a glimpse into Minnie’s inner world, and the limited audience size enhances the sense of connection to her story.
While the show offers a deeply emotional experience, it’s also a visual and auditory delight. The soundscapes are evocative, and the visual details — the textures of the costume, the intricate sets, the passing of car lights in windows — reward close attention. An hour is recommended, but it’s easy to imagine spending longer to uncover details you might have missed.
The Fantastic Life of Minnie Rubinski is a poignant reflection on life, memory, and the ways we construct and reconstruct our own stories, as well as the incredible stories brains can conjure and convince themselves of their veracity. It’s a thoughtful and beautifully executed experience that lingers long after you’ve left the installation.