Dying: A Memoir

Dying undoubtedly seems like a very confronting and unappealing topic for any storytelling format. However, Cory Taylor’s account is poignant, funny, mournful and, above all, very real. Genevieve Morris as Cory is phenomenal. The adaptation for the stage is extremely clever in the way the text keeps Cory at the centre of the performance. 

The staging is extremely lean and the lighting (Rachel Lee), set and costume design (James Lew) echo this gentle and sparse approach. The soundscape produced by composers and sound designers Darius Kedros and Todd J. Bennett also operates in this vein. The sound helps to conjure up places and spaces, and the music perfectly captures the mood of the play.

Although this is a deeply personal and sorrowful story the text is able to convey all the humour and pathos of this very sensitive topic. The adaptation also maintains the moral position of the book and is not afraid to elicit discussion about death, dying and voluntary assisted suicide. Morris frequently steps out of character for moments of laughter but also for moments of deep reflection and conducts this while in direct conversation with the audience. This is a very powerful theatrical strategy that breaks the fourth wall in a very disarming manner.

Taylor’s experience of cancer was a long and drawn-out process giving her ample opportunity to reflect on death and the importance of allowing individuals to retain a sense of agency and dignity. Her selflessness, and her courage to be outspoken about her experience, is expertly captured by Morris. Her performance provides the audience with not just a window into Taylor’s psyche, but also an opportunity to reflect on their own position in relation to the experience of a terminal illness.

The play is more akin to a psychological immersive experience. It is a perfectly balanced and beautiful exploration of a range of very difficult emotions, all conducted in a manner that felt warm and safe.

Patricia Di Risio

Photographer: Pia Johnson.