General News
2 August, 2024
Devastating loss inspires cabaret show about grief
Former Edenhope local Jodie Atkinson lost her husband, Craig, to cancer in 2019.
He was active, fit, funny and loving. Their relationship, she said, was "far from perfect", but perfect for her.
When he died suddenly, at 52 years old, his absence filled Jodie with anxiety, confusion, fear and panic.
Some days she said, on others she laughed.
She went to the movies with friends. She enjoyed conversation. But all the while, she was accompanied by grief.
If people had bothered to ask, instead of saying "I’m sorry for your loss" and awkwardly changing the subject, Jodie had so much to say about her rollercoaster of grief.
So much so, not only has she now written a book, but she has produced a stage show.
“I never intended to write a book about grief, let alone write and self-produce a cabaret show,” Jodie said.
“I started being really honest with people about what was playing out for me, and because those conversations were so rare, many suggested I write a book.
“We don’t talk about grief enough, and we need to.”
The book, Have You Met My Grief?, is a resource for people struggling to comprehend conflicting behaviours and emotions following the loss of a loved one.
Her cabaret show goes by the same name.
“Cabaret is a beautiful platform for engagement, interaction and education,” Jodie said.
“The audience comes on that journey with me. But it doesn’t descend into maudlin despair; we really do laugh, cry and everything in between.”
Have You Met My Grief will be performed at the Edenhope and District Community Centre on Sunday August 4, from 4pm.
Free tickets include drinks, finger food and a baby-sitting service.
The show is MA15+ and limited tickets can be reserved by leaving a message on 5585 9845.