Written by Sonia Dodd
Directed by Hannah Armstrong

22 – 23 September 2023

The Playhouse, Civic Theatre Newcastle

 

We’ve all lost something before. Pair of undies? Marbles? Your Dad?

Good Mourning tells the true story of four young siblings and their Dad’s cancer diagnosis. While the children come to understand what the C-word means, Mum and Dad make themselves busy with appointments, to-do lists and plans for their final three months together. The family embark on a Farewell Tour through Canberra, Newcastle and the sparkly theme parks of the Gold Coast, promising each other to reincarnate as magpies, and building final memories of a man they are only just getting to know.

This new Australian work explores the complexities of loss and grief from the honest perspective of an eight year old, who reminds us that while death is scary, life is a celebration.

Good Mourning is part-live performance and part-community project. Integral to the telling of this story is the opportunity for community members to anonymously share their experiences of loss. The community’s handwritten contribution will be installed in the theatre foyer, and the audience are invited to explore these offerings and reflections prior to the live performance.

Share your stories of loss and grief. To register your interest, click here.

 

Duration: 50 mins
Recommended age: Suitable for audiences 12+
Content warning: Mild coarse language and themes surrounding death, terminal illness, cancer and grief.

 

“A perfect balance of exploring grief and death with sincerity and love that left the audience in tears, yet wholly uplifted and full of love.” – Tess Bourguignon, theatretravels.org

“Dodd’s writing is satisfying, with an honesty that circumvents sentimentality, for a discussion on grief that always feels authentic.” – Suzy Wrong, suzygoessee.com

“Armstrong’s [direction is] inventive and effervescent in style, surprising us with optimism and entertainment.”
– Suzy Wrong, suzygoessee.com