DEATH CAFÉ
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Death is universal but how different communities + cultures deal with it is unique. Join us for a rare conversation.
The City of Providence presents — Death Café — a doorway into shared exploration. WHAT IS A DEATH CAFÉ? It’s a guided group discussion forum where people come together to talk openly + candidly about the meaning of life, mortality, death, dying, + related topics. Have you wanted to talk about it but thought it was too weird? Or had an experience you’d like to share? Even just curious? The aim of a Death Café is not to provide grief counseling or to promote any particular religious or spiritual beliefs, but rather to encourage honest conversations with the goal of promoting greater awareness + acceptance of death as a natural part of life. It’s an inclusive, safe, confidential + non-judgmental space where people can share their thoughts, experiences, + questions about death in a respectful + supportive environment. |
A place for exchanges + deep listening as well as a space where you can be brave. There’s no intention of leading people to any conclusion, product or course of action. Death Café serves our community as a doorway into the shared exploration of our love of life + respect for death.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND? Death Café is free + open to anyone who wants to talk about death. All are welcome from hospice workers, doulas, the terminally ill, elderly, those experiencing a loss to the death-curious however, this program is recommended for anyone 13 years or older. Ages 16 or younger must be accompanied by an adult. Everyone has their own reasons for getting involved in a Death Café + talking about death won’t kill us! Death Café takes place monthly in Providence, Rhode Island. These events are sponsored by Providence City Cemeteries + Community Libraries of Providence + facilitated by artist Jay Davani. |
IMMERSION EXPERIENCE
THE EDGE OF BEING
Y O U ' R E I N V I T E D
to witness your own funeral.
In honor of the summer solstice, step into a sacred space between endings and beginnings.
Studio Mortem Presents: The Edge of Being
The Love Offensive: Hot Power Yoga
Friday, June 13, 2025
8PM
Through ritual, guided meditation, restorative movement, and sensory immersion,
release what no longer serves—and awaken to what’s next.
This is not just a class—it’s a threshold.
to witness your own funeral.
In honor of the summer solstice, step into a sacred space between endings and beginnings.
Studio Mortem Presents: The Edge of Being
The Love Offensive: Hot Power Yoga
Friday, June 13, 2025
8PM
Through ritual, guided meditation, restorative movement, and sensory immersion,
release what no longer serves—and awaken to what’s next.
This is not just a class—it’s a threshold.
- Touch the edge of sensation.
- Step into what you’ve always feared.
- Remember why you’re here.
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D E T A I L S
N O T I C E
This immersive event involves guided sensory experiences, including scent, sound, and light touch. Essential oils or other natural materials may be used thoughtfully as part of the ritual. By participating, you acknowledge that you are engaging voluntarily and take responsibility for any personal sensitivities, allergies, or emotional triggers. If you have specific needs or concerns, please reach out in advance so we can support you with care.
H O S T
Jay Davani (@thejaydavani) is Providence’s pioneering death influencer—a multifaceted artist, speaker, and hospice grief facilitator with a passion for exploring life’s final frontier. Born in Tehran, Iran and now based in Rhode Island, she embraces death positivity with high ethical standards, inviting conversations about mortality that are both profound and transformative. Jay is an experienced Death Cafés facilitator and completed Ayatana’s Death Residency at a renowned death-positive thanatology school for artists, where she delved into the practical, cultural, and existential dimensions of death and mourning. Her work has taken her to respected venues including the RISD Museum, North Burial Ground, Biophillum Death Club, and she has served as a Santa Muerte Artist in Residence, capturing the interplay between cemeteries and Persian death rituals through evocative photography. In addition to planning funerals, memorials, and organizing estate clean-outs, Jay actively participates in Life and Death Cafés, doula and grief trainings, and death book talks, further cementing her role as a transformative voice in the dialogue around life, death, and rebirth.
Event support provided by coach Jessica Natal of @holistichealing.withjess!
For questions please dm @projectmortem on instagram or use our contact us page.
- Doors Open at 7:45PM
- Doors Lock at 8:05PM: Due to the immersive nature of this experience, doors will lock promptly. Late attendees will not be permitted.
- Dress Code: All black clothing is mandatory. Please wear a white shirt or tank/sports bra underneath your comfy black attire.
- What to Bring: A yoga mat + water bottle (limited yoga mats are available to borrow)
- We'll provide everything else!
- Parking: Free parking is available in the large lot across from Troop.
- More Info: email [email protected]
N O T I C E
This immersive event involves guided sensory experiences, including scent, sound, and light touch. Essential oils or other natural materials may be used thoughtfully as part of the ritual. By participating, you acknowledge that you are engaging voluntarily and take responsibility for any personal sensitivities, allergies, or emotional triggers. If you have specific needs or concerns, please reach out in advance so we can support you with care.
H O S T
Jay Davani (@thejaydavani) is Providence’s pioneering death influencer—a multifaceted artist, speaker, and hospice grief facilitator with a passion for exploring life’s final frontier. Born in Tehran, Iran and now based in Rhode Island, she embraces death positivity with high ethical standards, inviting conversations about mortality that are both profound and transformative. Jay is an experienced Death Cafés facilitator and completed Ayatana’s Death Residency at a renowned death-positive thanatology school for artists, where she delved into the practical, cultural, and existential dimensions of death and mourning. Her work has taken her to respected venues including the RISD Museum, North Burial Ground, Biophillum Death Club, and she has served as a Santa Muerte Artist in Residence, capturing the interplay between cemeteries and Persian death rituals through evocative photography. In addition to planning funerals, memorials, and organizing estate clean-outs, Jay actively participates in Life and Death Cafés, doula and grief trainings, and death book talks, further cementing her role as a transformative voice in the dialogue around life, death, and rebirth.
Event support provided by coach Jessica Natal of @holistichealing.withjess!
For questions please dm @projectmortem on instagram or use our contact us page.
The Edge of Being is the original title and concept of a proprietary immersive event series developed by Jay Davani.
Unauthorized reproduction or imitation is strictly prohibited. © 2023–2025 Jay Davani. All rights reserved.
Unauthorized reproduction or imitation is strictly prohibited. © 2023–2025 Jay Davani. All rights reserved.
ARTIST LECTURES
2024
The Wurks Studio — Art Speaks
Tenants of Death October 8, 2024 72 Tingley St. Providence, RI 02903 8pm — Free! |
Lifting the Lid — International Festival on Death + Dying
Beyond the Forbidden: Rituals + Revolution November 15, 2024 Program 1:45pm — Tickets! |
PREVIOUS
Providence — March 2022
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Canada — April 2023
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Providence — September 2023
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Global Day of Action — Ritual + Revolution
Saturday, September 16 / 2-4:30 pm
RISD Museum / Metcalf Auditorium
Persian artists from the RISD community for a rare opportunity to explore and discuss ritual and revolution at home and abroad.
Provost Touba Ghadessi will introduce an engaging presentation by artist Jay Davani 09 CEC and an interactive discussion with fellow Iranian artists Saman Sajasi 13 PT, Sheida Soleimani, and Maedeh Tafvizi Zavare 24 CR.
Discover the interplay between ancient traditions and modern revolutions, and the hidden narratives that have shaped Iran's dynamic landscape over time.
Explore the cultural exchange and artistic influences that have transcended borders, and engage in meaningful conversations that highlight the universal themes of change, resilience, and transformation.
Light refreshments provided by Shish Kabob will be available following the program. Free. Registration requested.
Saturday, September 16 / 2-4:30 pm
RISD Museum / Metcalf Auditorium
Persian artists from the RISD community for a rare opportunity to explore and discuss ritual and revolution at home and abroad.
Provost Touba Ghadessi will introduce an engaging presentation by artist Jay Davani 09 CEC and an interactive discussion with fellow Iranian artists Saman Sajasi 13 PT, Sheida Soleimani, and Maedeh Tafvizi Zavare 24 CR.
Discover the interplay between ancient traditions and modern revolutions, and the hidden narratives that have shaped Iran's dynamic landscape over time.
Explore the cultural exchange and artistic influences that have transcended borders, and engage in meaningful conversations that highlight the universal themes of change, resilience, and transformation.
Light refreshments provided by Shish Kabob will be available following the program. Free. Registration requested.
