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Dying: A Memoir (MTC) – A Reflective Journey Through Grief and Acceptance
Melbourne Theatre Company presents the world premiere of Dying: A Memoir, a powerful new stage adaptation by Australian writer and broadcaster Benjamin Law. Based on Cory Taylor’s critically acclaimed 2016 memoir (Dying: A Memoir), this one-woman production explores life, death, and the space in between with honesty, humour, and warmth.
Starring the renowned Genevieve Morris as Cory Taylor, Dying: A Memoir runs from 25 October to 29 November 2025 at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Fairfax Studio.
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A Powerful Adaptation Honouring Friendship and Legacy
Cory Taylor, one of Australia’s celebrated novelists, was the author of Me and Mr Booker (winner of the Commonwealth Writers Prize, Pacific region) and My Beautiful Enemy (shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Award). At sixty, she faced terminal melanoma-related brain cancer. In her final weeks, she wrote Dying: A Memoir — a clear-eyed and beautifully written reflection on mortality, family, and acceptance. The memoir was later named by Barack Obama as one of his top ten books of the year.
Benjamin Law, who was friends with Cory through Brisbane’s literary community, first met her while working at Avid Reader Bookshop. When she passed away shortly after her memoir’s publication, Law felt compelled to bring her story to the stage.
Anne-Louise Sarks, Artistic Director and Co-CEO of Melbourne Theatre Company, describes the play as: “A meditation on death, yes, but also a profound exploration of life. Cory’s memoir invites us into a rare kind of honesty — one that brings relief and clarity to those of us still living.”
Bringing Dying: A Memoir to the Stage
I think Corey would be very proud looking down. Under the direction of Jean Tong (Heartbreak High, Flat Earthers: The Musical), this production is intimate and emotionally rich. Genevieve Morris delivers a remarkable retelling of Cory Taylor’s memoir in a powerful one-woman show that is both moving and deeply human.
On a sparse stage with just seven seats, a few screens, and an intimate story, the performance immediately drew me in. Morris, known for her wit and warmth, brings a grounded authenticity to the role of Cory Taylor. Drawing on her own experiences with cancer, she finds both humour and humanity in a story that confronts mortality with honesty and grace.
Morris’s performance beautifully captures the essence of Cory Taylor’s journey, from the surreal moments of diagnosis to the quiet reflections on life, mortality, and the meaning we find in everyday choices. The show made me laugh, made me feel, and reminded me of the importance of honest, heartfelt conversations — even when they are difficult.
A moving, thoughtful, and unforgettable experience. Highly recommended.
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The Creative Team
Director: Jean Tong
Set & Costume Designer: James Lew
Lighting Designer: Rachel Lee
Composer & Sound Designer: Darius Kedros
Associate Composer & Sound Designer: Todd J. Bennett
Stage Manager: Oriana Papa
Assistant Stage Manager: Lucie Sutherland
Important Information
This production contains dynamic sound, theatrical haze, strobe-like lighting, and frequent references to death, dying, terminal illness, and mental health. It also includes depictions of real deceased persons.
Running time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes (no interval)
Recommended for ages: 15+ (Years 10–12)
Dying: A Memoir
Date: 25 October – 29 November 2025
Venue: Arts Centre Melbourne, Fairfax Studio
Price: $41 – $99
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