CITIZENS OF GRIEF
A dance, physical theatre, and stand-up comedy show
about what we expect from life, sharing grief, and learning to live
Si Rawlinson didn’t expect to live past the age of thirty. Born with a rare health condition, he grieved his own death, and lived for the now.
Five years ago, pioneering medication unexpectedly gave him a “normal” life - a future - and with it, the sudden and rude invitation to share the hopes and dreams of everyone else.
When building a future - having kids, making a home - feels increasingly distant for many people, Si tries to make sense of a new kind of grief: that opportunities slip away.
Citizens of Grief is an irreverent, unhinged, and optimistic look at what we expect from life, sharing grief, and learning to live.
A solo show from Wayward Thread.
Produced by Ellandar.
Early development with the support of Curve Theatre.
REVIEWS
“A masterclass in contemporary dance theatre…
Heartfelt, at times heartwrenching”
- Lizzy Tan - Dance Art Journal
“With much humour, [‘Citizens of Grief’] engages with weighty angles on family dynamics, romantic relationships, future planning and grief.
The impact of honesty, delivered raw and authentically was met with laughter, cheers and a standing ovation, as well as some clear discomfort…”
- So'l Jelenke - Resolution Review
“A deeply personal story of survival and the burden of living… the highlight of the evening!”
- Namoo Chae Lee - London Pub Theatres
Audience Feedback:
PRESENTED at RESOLUTION 2026 - TRIPLE BILL
Rachel Elderkin, Taylor Lauren Hughes and Wayward Thread
Date and time: Wed 11th Feb 2026 - 7:30pm
Venue: The Place
Duration: Approx 90 mins including two 15 min intervals between works.
Standard: £16 (concessions: £12)
Age: 11+
Teaser:
Citizens of Grief is a solo show that uses hiphop/breaking, contemporary dance, physical-theatre, and comedy. The choreography explores personal experiences of grief, responding to composer Reena Esmail’s audio guidance for playing the violin solo ‘Darshan’ - composed as part of a five-year-long exploration of grief.
Content Awareness
Citizen of Grief contains profanities, haze and moderate adult themes, including loss, illness and relationships.
CAST AND CREATIVES
CHOREOGRAPHY, WRITING & PERFORMANCE
Si Rawlinson 楊世朗
DIRECTOR–DRAMATURG
Iskandar ﺇﺳﻜﻨﺪﺭ R. Sharazuddin
DRAMATURGY / SUPPORTING DIRECTION
Mei Mac 麥美玲 / Ami Okumura Jones 奥村 英衣未
ADDITIONAL VOICE ACTING
Andrew Futaishi
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
Katrina Man
MUSIC
Darshan by Reena Esmail
FILM
Rob Heslop
ARTISTIC ADVICE