When women are storytellers, what narratives are told?
This is the question Michele O’Brien and Alice Flynn of Valise Noire Storytelling Theatre explored with those who have experienced male violence against women in their latest project as part of BEAF Festival 2021.
Over eight weeks the group met regularly, writing in response to archive materials about women from Dorset’s past and sharing their own personal stories and experiences as women. The group honed their skills in the craft of poetry, the structure of story, as well as practical vocal sessions – all tools in expressing their unique voices.
They researched a diverse range of women from regional history. These included: Minnie Baldock, a leading suffragette in the movement to gain votes for women who resided in Poole in the latter part of her life; Lady Annie Russell-Cotes, a privileged philanthropist and the second woman to become a fellow of The Royal Society of Literature as a result of her travel writings, who lived locally. The archive materials also included illiterate local women such as ‘Granny Cousins’ a characterful resident of Poole, as well as the records of female patients at Dorset’s Herrison Hospital asylum.
The evocative new writing created is being featured in both digital and outdoor performances for BEAF, performed by Valise Noire, sharing new narratives that the women want to tell.
Anna McLaughlin, who leads the Pattern Changing Course for women who have experienced domestic abuse, spoke of the empowerment the participants felt through writing poetry, which is what led BCHA to connect with Valise Noire,
“To create a space for women whose voices have previously been ignored”.
Some of the participants – who must remain anonymous for their own safety – have chosen pen names. They have reclaimed this practice of using another name, as women had to use them in the past in order to be published within the confines of the patriarchy. Their new names are a celebration of their voices and creativity as women. Those who have chosen to use pen names are: Flora, Analou Ruflett, Penny Woods, Lucy Dancing, Pandora, Briony Shell. What name would you choose?
“For me, participating in the women’s writing group has given me an opportunity to practise creatively in a style that is unfamiliar to me. It has stretched my imagination and thought processes in a really positive learning environment and also helped me to connect with personal experiences through the course context. I have felt inspired and comfortable to include these within my writing.”
– Penny Woods
“Analou Ruflett is a woman finding her voice, stepping out of the shadows into the sunshine. Her passion of life has been relit and she is searching for something she feels is missing in her life. Not sure where this will lead her, she is willing to try her best. Dipping a toe in different waters may lead to something amazing and surprising. Her love and passion for animals and nature has a lifting effect for her and the hope that kindness will be found in all.”
– Analou Rufflet
This piece has been made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, funded by National Lottery players. It has been created in partnership with BEAF as commissioned artists, the charitable housing association BCHA, the Dorset History Centre and The Russell-Cotes Museum.
Illustration and design by local artist, Corrianna Clarke.