The Launching of the Mary: A Script-in-Hand Exploration
When:
—
Venue:
Birkbeck 43 Gordon Square
During his ‘return from East India’ in 1632, Walter Mountfort spent his idle hours writing a play. Set in a London shipyard, complete with sprawling subplots and a range of colourful characters, The Launching of the Mary immerses readers in a bustling riverside world. As shipyard artisans prepare the launching of a ship, and while marine officers debate the ethics of overseas trade, mariner’s wife Dorotea Constance defends her home against a torrent of suitors. Part city comedy, part domestic tragedy, and part something else entirely, this workshop invites participants to explore this unknown Renaissance play by way of a lively but relaxed script-in-hand reading.
No prior knowledge or performance experience is required to participate. A lightly abridged, modern spelling edition of the play has been produced specially for this event, and participants are invited to read, listen, or both. The session will conclude with a section for Q&A and the chance to reflect on the experience of encountering this curious play.
Contact name:
Sue Wiseman
- Dr Michael Powell-Davies