Dignity in Dying

Anyone who cares about the right to a dignified death should find the following film and  play in the coming months of particular interest.

Thursday 25^th April      
Friends Meeting House, Charlbury
8 pm      

How to Die in Oregon explores the state's historic and controversial  Death with Dignity Act, which legalizes physician-aid in dying for some terminally ill patients.  It was the winner of the 2011 Sundance Film Festival.

The organizers will be asking for a £5 donation to cover the cost of hiring the room and the film, and hopefully also to send on a modest contribution to Dignity in Dying.

Thursday June 6^th

Chipping Norton Theatre

7:30 p.m. 

Chris Larner's one-man show An Instinct for Kindness is a remarkable piece of theatre. In this play he tells with both humour and pathos the experience of taking his ex-wife Allyson to Dignitas. Some of you will know that this was critically acclaimed at the Edinburgh Festival and has been nominated for an award.

I worked with Allyson many years ago and remember her as a talented and and honest actor. She was a woman of great integrity and strength. Chris's play captures her exactly and he tells their story with courage and compassion.

Prices are as yet unknown. The organizers believe the cost will be in the region of £12.

It would be helpful if you could let Helen Bessemer-Clark (hergwent@hotmail.co.uk) have some indication of whether you intend coming, so that the organizers can lay claim to some seats.

Further details will be sent and posted nearer the time.

The organizers' aim with all these performances is to encourage as many people as possible to join Dignity in Dying and to help persuade the politicians of the need for a change in the law on Physician Assisted Dying. Do come to as many evenings as you can, and bring friends who you think might be interested.