Off the Twig’s artistic director, Su Squire, shares some thoughts about the inspiration behind the company’s work and the human connection that comes from sharing stories about our experiences with death and grief.

From a non-religious, grounded perspective Andrea ponders the return of the body to the primordial soup of humanity, the importance of end of life care and the memories left behind.

Singing at a Buddhist hospice and sharing a cup of tea and memories afterwards with those being cared for. This brings up the importance, to Bean, of us all being our own stories, and the need to share them.

A sheep stayed with her lamb protecting it for 3 days after it died. How about if we did the same thing? By slowing down and being calm and looking after our dead we may find choice, wisdom and acceptance.

When the wishes of her dying mother left Belona struggling with the unsatisfactory nature of a bland funeral and an unceremonial scattering of her ashes, she reflects on the importance of ceremony and consciousness.

In the wake of a sudden death how do we decide on what is the best way to hold a funeral? Beverley combined her own wishes and what she felt her son Jess would have wanted and came up with a beautiful ceremony they could all be proud of.

A case of mistaken identity at the funeral home leads to a degree of embarrassment as well as a few giggles...

After being estranged for 50 years Charlie welcomed his dying father into his home. This led to a beautiful cornucopia of discovery and treasured moments and Charlie was able to help his father die in dignity, and love, at home.

David tells, with passion, his own mystical story, where Slavic archetypes invite Death in all of its beauty into a deathless place to offer release to a withering world. Speak and Remember.

Euthanasia ~ A sensible choice? When she was young, Debbie felt a Dutch employer's decision to go to Switzerland for euthanasia seemed like a perfectly reasonable idea. Later in life when her grandmother wanted to die she wished she could have given her the same option.

Deborah shares the humour she has found whilst talking about her funeral plans with her family.

A Death Cafe revealed to Debra the importance of planning ahead for the end of life. Her partner, who had been ill for some time, adamantly denied the possibility of his death and refused to engage. She tells how this situation played out when he did eventually die.

The tradition of an Irish wake brings with it an acknowledgement of death, a celebration of life, joy and fun, sharing of stories, a chance to touch or kiss the body. It makes death a normal part of life. Eamonn feels this is missing from the English experience of death.

Emma reflects on the idea of euthanasia and how hard the conversations around this subject can be.

Should we witness someone suffering in the last days of their life? This feels grim and unnecessary to Geoff and he would not choose to have anyone, especially his grandchildren, see him suffering when he approaches his death.

An argument between family members at an Irish wake leads to a surprising turn of events...

Glenys shares a story of a wise blacksmith who walked his talk in both life and death.

After her godson died, Janina recalls conversations she had with his younger brother and sister. Perhaps we can learn other ways to think of our dead through the words of our children.

Where her body ends up after she dies is important to Jet. She considers the possibility of an alternative to the traditional burial places.

Does a funeral have to be bland and boring? Joe reflects on the idea of making the event more of a celebration.

When her brother died without leaving a plan Julia decided to organise his funeral without using an undertaker. She shares with us the journey of getting her brother to the crematorium.

Speaking about our end of life wishes can be helpful. Through conversations with her children, Julie has come up with her ideal plan.

It is important to Kay to get things sorted out before she dies. She talks about the process she has been through with her husband to make it easier for those left behind.

The death of a beloved family pet prompted Kayla to contemplate our return to the elements of the soil after we die.

Kevin's wife deteriorated over many years from a progressive neurological disease. While being her primary caretaker he sensed the end of her life was imminent, and he shares his precious memories of her final days.

When Lydia was dealing with the sudden death of someone close to her she found that the reactions of her friends, family and complete strangers were complex and unpredictable. The impact of the whole experience has changed her in profound ways.

What is our role at a funeral? Madeline has participated in many funerals over the years, and speaks of the power of holding sacred space for those who have died.

The final days of a dying person's life can be so precious. When Maria's dad died she was gifted with many beautiful moments.

The whirlwind of the days after someone dies can be all encompassing. Mark recalls the strangeness, the grief and the rebalancing of his life over the years.

Mark ponders his final meeting with the grim reaper. Should he welcome them with a cup of tea, or attempt a negotiation?

Under a starry sky Michelle’s heart is lifted by a moment of remembering her friend Ted who loved to dance.

How attached are we to what happens at our funerals? Miles feels that it is important to respect the naming and representation of a person during the ceremony.

Molly recalls the death of her father, the harrowing time of waiting for him to die, and the questions that came up around prayer and the euphemisms that are used around death.

When we are faced with the imminent possibility of our death coming soon, should we have a conversation with our family and friends? Neil speaks of the strange landscape of approaching those conversations.

Paul shares his thoughts on how much should be considered regarding the final days of our life. Where should our focus be when we think about our death and does everyone think about this from time to time?

Pernille speaks of the beauty and simplicity of the Islamic traditions around death.

Phil has bequeathed his body to UEA for scientific research. He feels that this is an important thing to do as science has enabled him to continue living by way of numerous surgical procedures throughout his life.

Rachel explores the similarities between the experiences of birth and death.

Rachelle unexpectedly had the chance to have a beautiful conversation with her dad a few months before he died in a nursing home. Her story highlights how important those conversations can be, not only for the dying but also for those still living.

Speaking from her own experience of working in a funeral home, Red suggests that spending some time with the body after a person has died can be a good thing. She feels that some of the traditions of the past around death have been left behind and we might benefit by reclaiming them.

Sarah speaks of her grief at the general loss of the healing aspects of the rites of passage at death. Has the funeral industry swept away the meaningful rituals and replaced them with the less personal cultural norms?

Steve shares some reflections on coming to terms with the day to day emotional challenges of being alongside his partner after she received a diagnosis of terminal cancer.

While vigiling next to his dead brother, Steve sits with a glass of Laphroaig and a candle burning. Falling asleep he dreams of his brother...

Sue explores finding the balance between talking to her dying husband about his dying wishes and not wanting to upset him. She recalls the emotional journey of their final days together.

The importance of finding a way to deal with our body after we die that is in harmony with our beliefs while we are alive. Having conversations about this time can be challenging when our families are not able or willing to talk to us.

How important is the eulogy and the music played during a funeral? Veronica feels that these should be thought about carefully and could be a shared collective amongst those that knew the dead person.

One of the short films featured in Off the Twig's online performance of Mortal Yarns, created during the 2020 lockdown.

One of the short films created for The End of the Road Show.

One of the short films created for The End of the Road Show.

One of the short films from Off the Twig's online performance of Mortal Yarns, created during 2020 lockdown

One of the short films created for The End of the Road Show.

One of the short films from Off the Twig's online performance of Mortal Yarns, created during the 2020 lockdown.