A Creative Dialogue on Death

Euphemisms for death like “rode into the sunset” or “kicked the bucket” are ingrained in our language, offering a softer approach to discussing life’s inevitable conclusion. But why do we shy away from the word death itself? Is it for comfort, to ease the impact on others, or perhaps to evade the stark reality?

^{By Brooke Gibbs}

Death Doula and Death Education and Discussion (DED) Producer Anneke Barnes says that talking about, and planning for, the end of life has an overall positive impact on individuals in the community.

“Planning can reduce the high emotional stress for people at end-of-life as they have worked through some of the harder questions that come up at end-of-life,” she says.

“For those of us who are healthy today, there are some really interesting and philosophical conversations to be had. With every conversation, you learn something new, and for me there is definitely this incredible affirmation of life.”

In response to these provocative euphemisms, poet Clare Bizley and visual artist/fashion designer Marlene Kranz invite you to join them in a creative exploration. Whether you choose to deconstruct, reimagine or confront these phrases, the evening promises a blend of introspection and artistic expression.

Barnes says poetry and visual arts bring an element of play and fun to DED conversations.

“Hopefully there will be a mixture of absurdism much like the euphemisms, abstract works, realism, and perhaps even the next Monty Python style skit,” she says.

This session is part of the DED series held monthly in Darwin, which is open to everyone to attend. Embrace conversations about life’s final journey in a nurturing and inclusive space.

DED: Leaving Euphemisms for Dead
WHEN SAT 3 AUG | 2-4PM
AT DARWIN COMMUNITY ARTS
COST FREE
INFO events.humanitix.com

_{Photo: Paz Tassone}