I am a writer and performer from Cornwall.
The Coastguard's Daughter is based upon a true story of the previous inhabitants of my home and village in Cornwall. After hearing their story I could not let it go. I began working with a local historian and neighbour researching the story futher. After reading through news paper articles, memoirs and military records, I began to write the tale of The Coastguard's Daughter.
The Coastguard's Daughter will be a lyrical theatre production based on the true story of the former residents of Pentewan Village, Cornwall during the First World War. It's themes, exploring how the roles and rhythm of daily life are shifted by war, are universal. The production centres around the McDiarmid Family. When Mr McDiarmid was called away to war, it was his wife and two teenage daughters who took up his mantle as the Coastguards of Pentewan harbour.
The Coastguard's Daughter is a piece of original writing, told through lyrical performance and sea-shanty. By raising the money from Crowd Funder, I will use a Cornish Director Rosanna Elliot of Canvas Theatre http://www.canvastheatre.co.uk/, a local group of professional Shanty Singers Press Gang (http://pressgangcornwall.co.uk/), involve more members of the community and a group of professional actors.
The performances will take place in Pentewan Church, its first community event in 15 years. I aim to bring the community together and encourage the use of this building. To share our history, our stories and our hearts.
Thank you,
Olivia Lowry