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Dying: A Memoir


  • Arts Centre Melbourne (map)

Every story deserves a good ending. What’s yours?

When the acclaimed author Cory Taylor was diagnosed with a terminal illness, what followed was an astonishing creative surge that resulted in a memoir Barack Obama named as one of his favourite books of 2017.

Taylor’s wry insights into the rituals, language and taboos surrounding mortality can be witty, provocative or eye-opening – sometimes in the same breath. With honesty and unsentimental clarity she confronts the swamp of anxiety and despair that traditionally surrounds death and opens the door to the bright clear-eyed vision it ultimately grants us. Learning to face death is, in the end, learning to live fully.

Equally moving and hilarious, Taylor’s last work has been adapted with great care by writer and broadcaster Benjamin Law (Torch the Place), a family friend of Taylor’s, who brings a loving ear to this most intimate tale.

Directed by Associate Artist Jean Tong and starring renowned television, film, and theatre actress Genevieve MorrisDying invites you on a potent and playful journey to explore the essential things that are put into perspective as we all approach the finishing line.

Event Details:

  • Dates: 25 OCT —  29 NOV 2025

  • Duration: Approx. 1 hour 20 minutes, (no interval)

  • Suitable for: Recommended for ages 15+ / Years 10–12

  • Location: Arts Centre Melbourne, Fairfax Studio

  • Warnings: Contains frequent strong references to death, dying, terminal illness and mental health.

  • Notes:  Audio Described, Tactile Tour, Open and Close Captioning and Auslan Interpreted sessions available

More info & tickets here.

Earlier Event: 25 October
Jams for Juniors: Swan Lake
Later Event: 31 October
The Barber of Seville