Good Mourning | Tantrum Youth Arts

Tantrum Youth Arts presents
Good Mourning
written by Sonia Dodd

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. To get involved, visit tantrum.org.au/projects/good-mourning

Running time 50mins
Suitable for ages 12+
Mild coarse language and themes surrounding death, terminal illness, cancer and grief.

Good Mourning is written by Newcastle born-and-bred playwright Sonia Dodd, based on the lived experience of Newcastle-based director Hannah Armstrong.

Tantrum Youth Arts is the Hunter’s leading youth arts organisation, supporting emerging artists to amplify their creative voices since 1976. We believe in fostering new work and supporting Newcastle-based emerging artists to share their stories, explore their artistic practices, and collaborate with like-minded creatives.