A way to handle grief: NY-based comedian brings 'Live After Death' to the Before I Die Festival

Ben Wasserman has experienced loss – just like all humans.

Yet, the New York City-based comedian decided to take it a step further and bring his story to the stage.

Wasserman will present his “Live After Death” show at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, at French Funerals and Cremations, 1275 Unser Blvd. NE in Rio Rancho. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com.

“I’m lucky that these funeral homes will host this show,” he says. “The show is a great lesson in overcoming grief.”

Wasserman’s show is part of the “Before I Die Festival” which is taking place through Saturday, Oct. 21.

The festival aims to foster a collective exploration of life's most meaningful aspirations and encourage open conversations about mortality, dreams, and the human experience.

It invites people to reflect on their mortality and make their plans for end-of-life issues.

"We wanted to create a space where people from all walks of life could come together to reflect on what truly matters to them," says Gail Rubin, festival coordinator and The Doyenne of Death. "Death is a natural part of life, and by confronting our mortality, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the time we have and make the most of it."

Wasserman developed “Live After Death,” in New York City and has put on the shows at funeral homes and cemeteries across the country.

The show is based on his experience of losing seven loved ones in the span of three years, but it's also interactive; half the show is chaotic, high concept vaudevillian bits and the other half of the show is engaging the audience in conversation about death, dying, grief, and loss which is sometimes funny, sometimes sad, sometimes both.

“I've found that a show about death has been particularly resonant with audiences in the context of a pandemic where millions have been forced to grieve and experience loss, let alone all the other types of loss folks experience and are aching to talk about,” he says.

Wasserman says when he began the show, he didn’t think it would go anywhere.

“But it was a way for me to channel this pain and grief in a way that I could be proud of,” Wasserman says.

Wasserman says loss occurs in isolation and finding ways to not be so alone was the impetus behind the play.

“What binds us together is accepting the one rule that we’re all going to die,” he says. “Being able to come together and show us that it’s not scary.”

Developing this show has also taken a toll on Wasserman’s mental health.

Night after night, he opens himself up and talks about his life and loss.

“Sometimes I wish I was a musician where I could open up, write a song and give it to the world,” he says. “On stage, I have to keep opening the wounds to get the emotions out. It’s difficult to tap into every night.”

Luckily, Wasserman is on the tail end of his tour and will get some time to himself soon.

“It does get overwhelming,” he says. “What keeps me going is having that connection with the audience. During the show, I have this seance where I think I’m going to talk to my dad. There’s always someone in the audience that has unfinished business and comes forward to let out their emotions. I had someone come out to their dad because they couldn’t do it before he died. It’s deep conversation.”