Dorchester has staged the greatest number of community plays of anywhere in the world, and now the efforts of all those involved are bearing fresh fruit. Several participants have been inspired by the stories that have been discovered, and by the experience of creating the plays.
Now a new venture is taking shape, this time spreading its wings across Dorset and delving into women’s stories. Like every other project in the arts field, funding is tight, but the newly-formed collective Women of Dorset is taking the first research steps to create what is described as “a fierce new play about historical Dorset women.”
On 10th March, the project will be launched at Dorchester Arts by playwright Stephanie Dale and director Penny Levick, who will be joined by Visible Women UK’s Anya Pearson (who championed the Mary Anning statue at Lyme Regis) to talk about the plans. Acappella singing group Bread and Roses will provide the music.
A group of researchers will be working at the Dorset History Centre, learning how to make the best use of the collections to discover more about Dorset women through history.
The launch will be followed by five workshops, at Dorchester (17th March), Bridport (18th), Poole (19th), Weymouth (20th) and at Shaftesbury Arts Centre on Friday 21st March. The workshops will explore previously untold stories of women, both historical and personal.
Booking is essential. If you would like to take part, telephone 01305 261538 and leave a message.
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