By Mia Coe
The subject of death, dying and bereavement has always been considered somewhat of a taboo subject, especially when involving young people within the conversations. However, ‘A World Without Death’ truly finds a way to tell death how it is: a part of life, and not necessarily something we should strive to avoid or prevent (especially with the disastrous consequences of zombie chickens…). This show is a truly spectacular storytelling performance, a wonderful combination of singing, dancing and aerobatics that flow almost indistinguishably between each other throughout its journey.
The performers throughout the show were phenomenal. They played their characters so well, through dance, song and aerobatics, and each had a chance to shine. They also played to the audience well, involving us at every step of the way as they told their story to us and encouraged to make as much noise and dance as much as possible. Even when a pretty bad rainstorm started halfway through, they powered on as if it was not there, and put a smile to many faces despite the rain.
The set was also really amazing. I had found out after the show that the set was made as sustainable as possible, which is part of the story they wanted to tell around the concept of Death. I loved the colourfulness and different lighting they had for each scene, and I really loved the performances on top of the railings that went through the ceiling, making many of us gasp when people would climb and stand on top of them through the lashing rain.
There were many amazing moments in the show. I especially found the moment where the mother and child were exchanging their last goodbyes deeply impactful. I lost my grandmother earlier this year quite unexpectedly. She lived a long and happy life, and before she died, I was able to have a last conversation with her. This scene reminded me what a privilege it was to be able to say my last goodbyes to her before she died. I had to hold back tears as the mother embraced Death, and passed over to the afterlife where she was happy and dancing at a carnival similar to Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebrations. It was a reminder to myself that as painful as Death is for the living, what a joy it must be for those at peace and out of pain which so many can relate to whatever your personal belief is of the afterlife.
Mia Coe is doing an archaeology and heritage PhD research degree at the University of Bradford. Her PhD research is centred around understanding the importance of memorialisation and the role of heritage as a therapeutic means for both people living with trauma and people living with dementia and trauma, using the case study of the 1985 Bradford Valley Parade fire disaster. The title of her research is: ‘Exploring the Role of Heritage and Memorialisation in preparing Care Services for Ageing Survivors with Dementia: A Case Study of the Valley Parade Fire’. Follow Mia on Bluesky at: @miasoulcoe.bsky.social