UNLABEL DEATH

DEATH. There may not be another Word/Subject/Label that causes more visceral or triggering reactions. It’s a Word that is crying out to be UnLabeled. In this (Western) culture, we can seemingly talk openly about Sex, and maybe even about Money…yet when it comes to speaking transparently about Death/Dying, it’s a whole other thing. Death conversations scare the shit out of so many, for a variety of reasons, whether cultural, historical, religious, social. Everyone wants to celebrate the Magic of Birth…not so many are as eager to even talk about Death with the same openness. Mortality’s just not cool to discuss. Even though it’s one of the few experiences each Human shares.

In May, 2022, UnLabelMe launched our first exploration of UnLabel Death, interviewing people on the Streets of Asheville on the subject of Death. Anyone who wanted to share had LOTS to say.

In these intervening years UnLabelMe has interviewed and bore witness to a multitude of people, capturing their stories relating to Death and Dying… and Living. From End-of-Life Doulas and Hospice Nurses and Volunteers who do bedside care for folks who are in the stage of “active dying,” to those who are themselves in the last days/weeks/months of their lives. The wisdom of each person, and the authenticity of each story and perspective are profound.

Statistics and  facts may inform us. It’s stories that transform us.

And there may be no more transparent and moving form of Personal Storytelling than someone live on stage bearing their heart & soul. Right before our eyes. Which is why we launched Dying on Stage in Asheville in March, 2026, the sold-out Theatre a testament to people’s desire for powerful human experiences that open minds and hearts. Creating safe spaces for people to embrace uncomfortable subjects.