Kota Kinabalu: The Palliative Care Association of Kota Kinabalu (PCAKK) hosted the first ever theatrical music festival surrounding the theme of palliative care, in conjunction with World Hospice and Palliative Care Day.
The Sunset Serenade, a collaboration between PCAKK and the Society of Palliative Care Advocacy, Training & Education (Spate), captivated nearly 200 attendees despite the light drizzle.
Held at Anjung Selera, Tanjung Lipat, the festival featured four immersive original theatrical plays adapted from real patient stories, highlighting the patients’ resilience and enduring legacy throughout their illness journeys.
The plays were skilfully intertwined with video interviews of patients discussing their perspectives on palliative care and augmented by powerful live music performances by local musicians.
The core message of the evening was inspired by Dr Ira Byrock’s work on “The Four Things That Matter Most” – I Love You, Thank You, I Forgive You, Please Forgive Me, Goodbye.
“I came in with an expectation that it would open up conversations about hard topics like death, dying, grief and love. And the event didn’t disappoint.
“I left the event feeling like my heart had been painted with a multitude of colours. It helped me embrace these messy, imperfect things we call life. It made me feel whole,” said Dr Dian Zulkernian, a participant when reflecting on the event.
Interactive group activities, including hand painting and candle-lighting ceremony, further allowed the public to engage with and reflect on the patients’ journey.
The novel endeavour, designed to open conversations about life, resilience, palliative care and end-of-life wishes, received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants across all walks of life.
“We are incredibly heartened by the public’s engagement and the profound feedback received,” Sabah Head of Palliative Care Service and Organising Chair Dr Ng Wan Jun said.
“This event proves that art is a powerful vehicle for discussing complex topics like death and dying, helping our community to embrace life’s full spectrum of emotions and ultimately, to live better.”
