It's A Woman's War

We are raising funds for our piece titled It's A Woman's War, This piece has been programmed for the 'From Devon With Love' arts festival in January 2015 at the Barbican Theatre, Plymouth. Our performance is on 16th January 2015 at 7:30:pm and is the second part of a double-billed slot.

It's A Woman's War will be our debut production as PBAB Theatre, although both founders have been involved in successful theatremaking, writing and directing and production previously. A short 15 minute adaptation of the full-length script was performed as part of the University of Plymouth Amateur Dramtics society's 2014 Christmas Showcase, but the performance at Barbican Theatre marks the official launch of the company, which was founded in April 2014. Subsequently, this is a really big and important milestone for us.

For the short version the majority of the costume and props were borrowed. We therefore need support to cover the costs of the full production, mostly costume and set pieces. Since it is a period-specific piece, these costs can be greater than usual since there is less room for variation. We are grateful for any donation, no matter how small, as every little bit helps! 

See below for the play synopsis.

                                                                __________________________

It is 1916. The Great War has been raging for close to two years; the body count is mounting; conscription is breathing down the necks of young men; and The Stratford Women's Players meet for their first rehearsal.

             Driven by the ever-enthusiastic Minnie, the Stratford Women's Group put aside their jam making and darning to tread the dusty boards of their meeting hall, to rehearse and put together a play, injecting a little magic and a escapism into the lives of their war-stained East-London community.

             As the war rages on around them the women form invaluable personal bonds. They are from all walks of life, from munitions factory worker to former-suffragette to well-off middle-class, and each has her own unique, far-reaching and complex relationship with the war. Refashioned as The Stratford Women's Players, we journey with Minnie, Dorothea, Louisa, Alice, Anna and Mary through hardship, joys, friendships and tragedy. As opening night approaches and the cold hand of war creeps ever-closer into their midst, their small group is tested again and again; can they overcome the hardships of life in wartime and create something to be proud of?

             It's A Women's War is the story of an all-female theatre group during the First World War, determined to do slightly more than their bit in standing against the horrors of war. The play follows six very personal experiences of war on the home front and one shared experience of camaraderie and escapism.

Thank you in advance!