HISTORY, it is often said, is written by men about men. It is also said, with equal truth that history is written by the victors. A group of creative women in Dorchester and the surrounding area are confronting these sexist tropes with an exciting new community play project – Women of Dorset.

The play, which is being written by Stehanie Dale, who has written several of Dorchester’s successful community plays, will be performed by three professional actors and a community chorus of Dorset women, using text, song and movement.

Following initial meetings, there will be a series of free and fun workshops for women across the county. The workshops will explore previously untold stories of women who have lived, loved, worked, survived and thrived across Dorset.

The workshops will be at:
Dorchester Arts at the Corn Exchange, on Monday 17th March 2-4pm or 6.30-8.30
Lyric Theatre, Bridport, on Tuesday 18th March 2-4pm or 6.30-8.30
Lighthouse Poole, on Wednesday 19th March 2-4pm or 6.30-8.30
Bay Theatre, Weymouth, on Thursday 20th March 6.30 – 8.30
Shaftesbury Arts Centre on Friday 21st March 2-4pm or 6.30-8.30

This is an opportunity for Dorset women to share stories of historical women and, if you would like to, experience being part of an ensemble to bring historical scenes to life and explore how stories are told through movement.

Places on the workshops are FREE but booking is essential. Visit Eventbrite: http://dorchesterarts.org.uk/women-of-dorset (for all venues) or phone: 01305 261538 and leave a message with your name and phone number together with which venue and time

No experience is necessary, just come and have fun! You can follow the project on Instagram Women_of_Dorset and Women of Dorset on Facebook

Pictured are members of Women of Dorset at a research workshop at the Dorset History Centre, run by community engagement officer Maria Gayton and researcher and archivist Claire Skinner.