Exit, Theatre Studio 3 at York St John University, March 9 and 10

Exit, a play on the theme of death and dying, will be staged on March 9 and 10 at 7.30pm at Theatre Studio 3 at York St John University, and the 11am auditions will take place at the university too.

“Well, the Christmas season has come and gone with its full share of emotions, highs and lows, as usual. Who knows what the rest of the year holds for us, our families and friends?” says writer and director Sue Lister. “The one thing we can be certain of in life is that death, sometime, somewhere, is part of it. The challenge is coming to terms with this. That’s why we’re about to explore the whole issue at the York International Women’s Week in March.”

Death comes in so many ways, suggests Sue. “It may come suddenly out of the blue or you may see it coming for years; it can be harrowing or peaceful, a shock or a relief,” she says. “How do we live with it while it’s happening to someone else? How do we survive the death of someone close to us? How do we face our own mortality? Death is an emotional rollercoaster; how do we deal with it?”

Sue says our society tends to sweep death under the carpet, trying to avoid it at all costs. “In other cultures death is recognised as part of life and accepted as par for the course. What can we learn from these different attitudes? Can talking about it make it easier to live with?,” she asks. “The Real People Theatre intend to grasp the nettle in our 16th production for York International Women’s Week, and we hope to take the show to the second Before I Die festival in May too.

“Last May, the first festival offered 40 events looking at many aspects of death and dying, such as music to die for; drama; poetry; personal stories, including a trip to Dignitas; tours of the cemetery and crematorium; panel discussions and death cafes. It was inspirational.”

As a women’s theatre company, Real People want to look at death and dying from women’s points of view, says Sue. “Our aim is to put together a collage of poetry, drama, music, song and dance on the theme of death and dying. Pro and con, religious and non. To share the human experience of living and dying,” she explains. “It can be empowering. Would you like to make a contribution?”

Anyone interested in participating in the Exit play project can ring Sue on 01904 488870 for more details and to talk about the possibilities. Looking ahead, tickets for the March shows will be available on the door.