Who will take the tall ship that will bring them back again?
SWANFALL
"How do we talk about the fact that you're going to die?
"How do I make sure your last wishes are fulfilled ?
"How will I cope when you're gone?
Death is something which affects everyone so why do we have no proper structure in place to deal with the most important of all transitions? What happens if we are not supported by friends or family or some other network, or will not turn to a professional bereavement service for helpToo often without adequate support we can be left quite literally like a fish out of water - simply struggling to take the next breath.Whether that death is long expected following a terminal illness or sudden and shocking, there is so much we don't understand about death for it often seems as if the death of someone close forces us into a new world where we have no idea of the rules.
My name is Steve Gladwin and In 2006 I lost my wife Celia to cervical cancer and although there was far too much in those eighteen months of shock, pain and heartbreak, I also learnt so much from the experience. Most mportantly I realised that we were among the lucky ones - and not like so many who feel scared, ill-prepared and all too often abandoned.
"Swanfall" is my response to our experiences and my attempt to improve things just a little for all those others. By using our own story I hope that I can help others to "unlock the box" in which they keep their feelings, fears, and grief and which they all too often haven't come to terms with, so that in sharing this common ground they can begin to come to terms with their loss.
Because Celia and I were both storytellers the perfomance includes some of the stories which we told and which became such an important part of our experience, that the themes and symbols of these ancient tales may bring about a recogntion in each of us.
Swanfall is meant for all thsoe who have lost or are about to lose someone, or who deal with the bereaved and dying. It is either a full day or half day/evening package which combines a performance of "Catch a lift on the next Raven" with a choice of workshops which may include storytelling, art therapy, reminiscence work and creative writing.
In autumn of 2009 I hope to be giving a series of performances across Wales and elsewhere with a view to creating a "shop window" for future funding, support and interest.
If you are interested in hearing more about this project please contact me on 01938 500728 or e mail ardangearr@googlemail.com .
PLEASE ALSO SEE FURTHER DETAILS ON MY ACTIVE EBSITE ON swanfall.co.uk and swanfall.com