Research by 3S member Martin Mahony has helped inform a new piece of theatre, which will be staged in Birmingham and London next month.

Part of the Archives Assemble! project, Missives tells the story of an earthquake crisis in 1930s Montserrat. Using verbatim archival extracts and new material by playwright Chadd Cumberbatch and A-Dziko Simba Gegele, the piece explores the complex, human and sometimes very funny dynamics of decision-making under crisis conditions. Martin will be playing the role of eccentric volcano scientists Frank A. Perret.

A major theme of the piece is connections and echoes with the 1990s volcanic crisis, which saw the Soufrière Hills volcano erupt and fundamentally re-make life on the island. Chadd and A-Dziko, who have directed the production, will incorporate into the third act elements from their hit play Ash,which was written and performed as the 1990s crisis unfolded. 

The dramatisation of these episodes of Montserratian history is intended to open-up conversations about uncertainty, risk, community, and lessons learned or unlearned. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the onset of the eruption in 1995, which has prompted new forms of reflection on both Montserrat’s past and future. In support of this, the Archives Assemble! project is using archival materials held in Montserrat, the UK and beyond to inform a range of geoheritage developments, such as museum exhibitions and a ‘Volcano Trail’.

Following a performance in Montserrat in July, Missives will form part of the UK Being Human Festival and will be staged at the Midlands Art Centre in Birmingham on 9th November, and at the Homerton Library in London on 15th November. Tickets are free, and can be reserved here for Birmingham, and here for London.