When The Light Leaves

When The Light Leaves is a new Australian play that explores how people navigate the complex reality of facing an uncontrollable, wild death.

Dan’s dreaming of dead ducks and cartoon skeletons. He’s also dying. Terminal brain cancer has forced Dan to decide how he wants the end of his life to look. Despite his supportive partner, well-intentioned sister and nurse who comforts by-the-book—no one can give him what he needs. It’s time Dan chooses how he goes.

With access to assisted dying imminent, everyone has an opinion about how you live and die. In this gripping and deeply personal play, When The Light Leaves explores how people navigate the reality of death and reconcile their grief, leaving audiences to decide for themselves how they would want to go.

Written by Rory Godbold
Directed by Jayde Kirchert

“I know from close observation that Rory Godbold understands the brutal nuances of this issue in ways that very few can claim. He brings a perspective to it, both as creator and as witness, which has the unmistakable ring of truth. Nothing in performance is more powerful than the truth.” – Andrew Denton

“The effects of this production are visceral and by the end my heart was pounding. Was it fear? Was it anger? I don’t know, but I am really glad I had the experience." - Planet Arts on Crestfall (2016)

“We are transported to a world where anything is possible.” - Theatre Press on Ascent (2018)

“These very strong offerings are the culmination of carefully considered work by skilled, hardworking theatre practitioners.” - Stage Whispers on Inferno: A Double Bill (2016)

“Citizen Theatre clearly demonstrates a great depth of talent.” - Artshub on The Importance of Being Earnest (2015)