Melbourne Ageing Research Collaboration (MARC)

Melbourne Ageing Research Collaboration

The Melbourne Ageing Research Collaboration (MARC) is a unique collaboration of health, research, aged care and advocacy organisations working together to improve the lives of older people.

Our vision is that older people received the best possible care and support through services, programs and policies which support health and optimal quality of life.

Logos of MARC partner organisations

Performance - The Poetry of Grief

MARC home > Poetry exhibition

The Poetry of Grief is an original performance where music, poetry and research meet. Using innovative, arts-based methods, we presented a series of poems crafted from interviews with bereaved older adults to take the audience on a journey of grief – through the ups and downs. We focused not only on the sadness but also on the resilience, strength and courage that can come from a significant loss. Together we challenged the notion that grief has an expiry date.

Four sold-out performances at Tempo Rubato, Jazzlab, La Mama Theatre and the NARI Annual Summit featured NARI researcher Dr Katrin Gerber, concert violinist Sarah Curro and actors Marylla Powell and Dennis Coard. Through these live performances, we were able to reach over 250 people. Audience members said:

“I could write a 1000 poems about grief, but never do. Perhaps I need this wonderful event to inspire me. Thank you for thinking of a wonderful way to honour this heartfelt, heavy and awkward emotion.”

“Today truly was remarkable and exceptionally moving. Listening to the speakers and reflecting on their words shared whilst listening to the violin play so eloquently will stay with me forever. Thank you for the incredible work you do, in particular, raising awareness in such a powerful way of a truly important topic is to be commended.”

“Amazing! Thank you for today. It's opened up my mind to so many wonderful possibilities and will stay with me forever! Magnificent.”

Watch a preview of the performance

Premiere at Tempo Rubato

Encore performance at Jazzlab

If you are interested in hosting future performances, please connect with [email protected]

Event photos courtesy of Brendan Bonsack

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