Using immersive theatre to support empathy, reflection, and community connection.
In the Wake of Life is an immersive theatrical experience combining short plays, poetry, music, and guided audience reflection to explore dying, death, and grief. Tender, awkward, and often unexpectedly humorous, each piece offers a distinct perspective on loss. Through innovative storytelling and optional participation, the experience creates a supportive space for honest dialogue—inviting audiences to challenge stigma, examine cultural assumptions, and reconnect through shared stories. Thought-provoking and deeply human, the project uses art to open conversations too often left unspoken.
The project—conceptualized and produced by Elizabeth Coplan—began in 2016 with an open call for short plays and was developed from nearly 200 submissions. The original performance was composed of 6 short plays from playwrights across the country. It was first performed on Bainbridge Island, WA in August 2016 and then went on to productions in Seattle, Portland, Memphis, Pittsburgh, Las Vegas, New York, and Los Angeles over the next 5 years.
Under the direction of Dani Davis, In the Wake of Life has evolved into a living, immersive theatrical experience—one that invites audiences to move freely through a world of short plays, poetry, music, sculpture, and shared reflection. Blending warmth, intimacy, and occasional humor, the production explores death, loss, and remembrance through the lens of love and human connection. Each performance is carefully choreographed behind the scenes while allowing every guest to discover the experience in their own way, creating a personal journey through story, atmosphere, and community.
Performance highlights
An updated production workshop debuted in October 2024 in New York City (View the Program Book). The production included returning playwrights Donna Hoke, Elizabeth Coplan, and Barbara Blumenthal along with Paul Atriedes whose play “Fusion” was featured in the Las Vegas performance in 2018. New playwrights include Nambi E. Kelley, Leilani Squires, Amy Judith Reuben, Louisa Vilardi, and Tim Woods. Poet Jenny Coates joins the team as well.
Dani Davis, director of In the Wake of Life is an Emmy award-winning writer, Tony-nominated Broadway producer, Helen Hayes award recipient, award winning theater and film director/choreographer, and entertainment entrepreneur. She is the proud mother of Noah Pelty and Nina Howland, both musical artists. www.thedanidavis.com
Grief counselor Claudia Coenen reprised her role as the audience conversation facilitator. She was joined by Pastor Corey Kennard.
In 2025, the production was renamed “In the Wake of Life” and performed at the historic Frank E. Campbell The Funeral Chapel in New York City.
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