The latest in a recent string
of directorial debuts about young people grappling with the imminent or recent
loss of a parent, Demetri Martin's «Dean» may not land with the sheer force
of «James White» or offer the exacting detail
of Sundance opener «Other People,» but this winsome low - key comedy lucidly
conveys how grief can
feel like being shot into uncharted stretches
of outer space.
The works
convey themes
of separation, memory, nostalgia, and
loss, as well as a longing to
feel rooted in a place and the continuity between past and present.
In summary, the 4 days mirror the content
of The KHU KIT and contains some theories and tools designed to help adults reflect on their own grief histories and processes; detailed information regarding each developmental stage and relating concept
of death, grief response and appropriate way to provide support; factual information about the most common contexts
of premature death in the Western Cape i.e. HIV and AIDS, TB, violence and road accidents, and the importance
of and how to
convey this in an age appropriate way; advice about how to support bereaved children including the practicalities
of running grief and
loss support groups; a range
of simple physical therapies and techniques that can be used to de-stress and emotionally contain children and adults; specific examples
of activities and exercises designed to facilitate particular group and individual processes including e.g.
feeling depressed, isolated, angry; and, finally, resources for referral.