“Dead Prepared”

At its core, the piece interrogates how grief is performed, processed, and often concealed. While the show is structurally comedic, it is grounded in lived experience. Drawing on personal loss, particularly the death of Maddie’s father, we believe this work perfectly reflects the strength of vulnerability. These moments interrupt the comedy to create a dynamic tension between laughter and mourning, encouraging audiences to reflect on their own relationship with grief. Thematically, the project explores the performative nature of funerals and the discomfort society holds around discussing loss. We’ve designed this show for two performers, alongside our pianist, with a strong emphasis on physical storytelling, direct audience address and minimal yet impactful stage design. The use of a coffin - both as a comedic device and a symbolic object - anchors the visual language of the piece.