From acclaimed producers Scissor Kick comes the world premiere of Catafalque, a one-woman eulogy through the lens of a civil celebrant asking, how do we grieve the ungrievable? A show about love, loss and secrets, Catafalque is directly inspired by writer Amy Conway’s own experiences, and directed by Beth Morton, with Olivia Millar-Ross on as associate director.
Catafalque follows Fern, a civil celebrant, who is confronted with the challenge of eulogising someone who has done the unthinkable. How do you speak of death when no one wants to look? A grieving mother asks Fern to eulogise her son, and remember him for the love he brought her, despite his horrific acts in life. This moving and absorbing eulogising play is a fascinating examination of love, grief, and how we process loss and life.
Writer Amy Conway trained as a civil celebrant during the pandemic and wrote and delivered eulogies. Catafalque draws on her experiences meeting grieving families, and questioning where we should draw the line professionally and personally when telling the story of someone else’s life.
Amy Conway comments, Being commissioned is a big deal for any playwright. I’m getting to write what I feel passionate about – I feel pretty lucky! And I’ve chosen the cheeriest of settings and protagonists: a celebrant conducting a funeral ceremony! During lockdown I trained as a funeral celebrant and delivered ceremonies across Glasgow, and it is through this privileged working experience that I’m starting to reflect on our cultural and social practices surrounding death. The play won’t be a dirge, I can guarantee that!
