def list_workflow_executions(self, status, *args, **kwargs):
        statuses = {
            WorkflowExecution.STATUS_OPEN: 'open',
            WorkflowExecution.STATUS_CLOSED: 'closed',
        }

        # boto.swf.list_closed_workflow_executions awaits a `start_oldest_date`
        # MANDATORY kwarg, when boto.swf.list_open_workflow_executions awaits a
        # `oldest_date` mandatory arg.
        if status == WorkflowExecution.STATUS_OPEN:
            kwargs['oldest_date'] = kwargs.pop('start_oldest_date')

        try:
            method = 'list_{}_workflow_executions'.format(statuses[status])
            return getattr(self.connection, method)(*args, **kwargs)
        except KeyError:
            raise ValueError("Unknown status provided: %s" % status)