A wake to remember and a fun-filled festival…
Over the weekend I attended a wake, sadly. I was reluctant to go as I didn’t know the elderly lady who’d passed. But a friend asked me to accompany her, so I agreed to go along. We were met at the door by a daughter of the deceased; who was effusive in her welcome, hugging me like I were a family member. She led us into the kitchen where others mingled in that slightly awkward solemnity that surrounds wakes. We were offered tea and biscuits, of which there was plenty; the refreshments were a welcome distraction for me.
The daughter’s name was Susan; and when she caught my friend’s eye her shoulders shrugged, “Shur, I’m up and down, you know how it is,” she softly said. My friend nodded with a knowing empathy. Then, Susan rushed to the door to greet more mourners; I was struck by her stoicism.
I felt uncomfortable, l was a stranger intruding on a family’s grief, it all felt a little voyeuristic on my part. When Susan arrived back there was an awkward silence, which because of my nerves and unease, I rather rudely broke, “How old was your mother?” I asked. Immediately I regretted the intrusion of my question. But Susan smiled, “She was 83, a good age.” Her smile eased me a little and I tentatively relaxed.
The body was being waked in the adjacent living room, from which a younger family member emerged; I assumed her to be a granddaughter. She looked at my friend and I, “It’s busy in there, come outside for a bit of fresh air before you go in.” We followed her out the back into a small courtyard like space where seats were arranged in a circle. Immediately I smelt an all-pervading herby-like-odour, and taking my seat I asked, “What’s that smell?” She must have saw my suspicious eye as she picked up a smouldering bouquet-garni from a nearby bucket and waved it around, “It’s sage, to cleanse the air of evil,” she clarified, smugly.
My unease returned, more so when she sat down, leaned into me and said conspiratorially, “I’m a pagan, I wanted her cremated.” She threw her head back, “But them ones in there are having none of it.” Now, my angst increased ten-fold as it was clear there was a family dispute; and this young woman was trying to get us on her side. My disquiet turned to distaste when she pulled a picture from her pocket and handed it to me. I looked aghast at a most inappropriate selfie – the young woman posing with the corpse, “I’m going to burn it later, to release her spirit,” she said. I didn’t have time to reply, as Susan returned and snapped tersely, “Don’t be listening to that one, come in and say goodbye to Mammy.” We duly complied…
…I shall say no more, as to do so would spoil what was one of the most immersive theatrical productions I have ever experienced.
‘Granny Jackson’s Dead’ is a ‘Big Telly Theatre Company’ production, a Belfast based theatrical-group. This production was part of last weekend’s superlative ‘Cavan Arts Festival’. The Belfast cast were joined by local actors: Kate Brady and Patrick McEneaney, who I’m told had only one day to rehearse; their pitch-perfect performances were testament to their talent. Throughout, the actors remained resolutely in character, which gave the whole experience an immersive realism that was equally hilarious, unsettling, and ultimately enlightening.
I came away from the experience thinking of the future of funerals; particularly how technology may shape how we wake (there’s a Virtual-Reality component to the show that’s quite startling). To say anymore would give too much away. Suffice to say, if you have a chance to see ‘Granny Jackson’s Dead’ – BOOK-IT!
Afterwards I ambled up to Con Smith Park to take in the arts festival. The park was bathed in sunshine and smiles; children’s laughter mingled with adult chatter, a fitting soundtrack adding to the good vibes.
Walking among the people, performances and creativity while munching pizza, I got to thinking of how art is so subjective it’s hard to price. But when art and creativity bring community together, it’s priceless. I’m already looking forward to Cavan Arts Festival 2026.
READ MORE