The Dance of Death

The Dance of Death Guild Chapel, Chapel Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6EP. Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd November 2024 – 7.00pm-8.30pm.

Join us for a unique opportunity to see the rarely performed medieval poem, the Dance of Death, in the historic Guild Chapel, where it was painted over 500 years ago.

See the characters on the wall come to life and hear the captivating music of local band, Coranto. Watch the humorous encounters between Death and those he leads in his merry dance in this community production involving local actors, musicians, and volunteers.

The ‘Dance of Death’ is a moralising tale. Its first known appearance as the Danse Macabre was in 1424, exactly 600 years ago. The poem is a dialogue between Death and a series of characters from all walks of life. It gives an insight into the beliefs and anxieties at the time. The message is that life is fleeting, Death can take you at any time so you must be prepared and live a virtuous life. The poem’s humour comes from Death’s ability to recognise and poke fun at the foibles of humankind.