Getting Through It
Old Vic, London
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POET, author and broadcaster, Michael Rosen, delivers a mesmerising talk on the themes of trauma, grief and mortality. The subjects being his son’s death, and his own near death experience with Covid in 2020. A mixture of poetry and diary-style recollection, punctuated with Rosen’s trademark humour, holds the audience spell bound.

The first half deals with the death of Rosen’s 18-year-old son Eddie from meningitis. The second, his own battle to overcome Covid which involved being in a coma for 48 days then almost having to relearn how to live.

The recall of the death of Eddie brings forth the positive aspects of life. The shock of death, yet celebration of life. The shock came in Rosen finding his son dead, and some celebration was the fun of arranging the funeral. All the emotions come out, such as expecting his son to suddenly appear, that inner denial we all have when someone has passed. He recalls meeting a woman in a French cemetery, who has just lost her 18-year-old son in a car accident, and wondering whether she is more bitter because of the suddenness of her loss.

One incisive insight focuses on death and grief. The first, a biological event, the second, being sorry that things are not what they were.

Rosen’s Covid trauma began when he was taken into hospital in March 2020. He recalls being asked to sign a form allowing ventilation of his lungs. He asked what were his chances? Nil if he didn’t sign, 50 per cent if he did. “I signed,” says Rosen.

Another time, a nurse called Dan said a number of Hail Mary’s over him. At the time, as a Jewish person, Rosen felt it best to cover all the bases.

Rosen’s treatment came in the context of a government policy based on the brutal concept of “herd immunity.” This meant that NHS staff working were tacitly encouraged to see older people as expendable.

The former children’s poet laureate also recalled being asked to give a talk about being in a coma. A short session, he recalled.

This audience with Michael Rosen offers fascinating insights into human emotions via two very personal experiences. His trademark humour lightens the darkest of moments. It is truly remarkable that via his poetry and prose Rosen can cover what appear dark subjects in such an illuminating way.

Rosen’s book of the same title is also an excellent read.

Getting Through It is on tour. For more information see: michaelrosen.com