Much loved and respected Adelaide-based dancer, choreographer, director and producer Roz Hervey passed away last week. Her passing followed the diagnosis of motor neurone disease (MND) in 2022.

Roz Hervey. Photo © Restless Dance Theatre

In her gracious manner, Hervey wrote a farewell letter stating:

In the next month or so I would have become totally dependent. I was always very clear that I do not want this. I wanted to leave the party while it’s still going, that time is now.

Hervey was able to access South Australia’s voluntary assisted dying scheme which, in her own words:

has made me so happy … to choose when I wanted to die, with dignity, surrounded by my beautiful family in my hometown.

I only met Hervey once at the performing arts market this year in Adelaide. I spoke to her having seen a video where she commented:

I could sit and cry in a corner – or live the best life possible.

I commended her for the grace and courage she had brought to her condition. Her modest reply was “what would you do?”. She was keen to come and see my production in...