About this Event
Remembering Black Female Pioneers: Sylvestre & Seacole
Join us at Hackney Archives for an inspiring community afternoon celebrating the lives, legacies, and voices of two remarkable Black female pioneers: nurse and healer Mary Seacole, and the trailblazing actor and playwright Cleo Sylvestre.
Ahead of the highly anticipated return of Sylvestre's The Marvellous Adventures of Mary Seacole to the Rosemary Branch Theatre stage, this special pre-show event invites you to connect deeply with history, theatre, and community.
What to Expect:
Open Community Play Reading: Step into the life and times of Mary Seacole through the interpretations of playwright Cleo Sylvestre. Led by actor Daniella Pollendine, we will hold a collective reading of the script for The Marvellous Adventures of Mary Seacole. No acting experience is necessary. Everyone is welcome to read or simply listen.
Exclusive Archive Presentation: Discover history up close. Bristol Theatre Archives and Hackney Archives present a curated selection of rare records detailing Cleo Sylvestre’s fierce campaigning and "artivism" surrounding the recognition of Seacole. Explore Cleo and the Mary Seacole Memorial Statue Appeal's successful campaign.
Honouring Legacies : Reflect on the enduring spirit of Jamaican-born Mary Seacole as a woman ahead of her times - traveller and witness to war who nursed countless British Soldiers in the Crimea. Celebrate Cleo Sylvestre’s legacy as an actor, writer, activist, and pioneer who reclaimed essential British historical narratives.
Ticket Options and Supporting the Project: This is an independent community event. Due to a lack of formal funding, we're operating a Donate-What-You-Can system to keep the event accessible while covering costs. When booking, please choose the ticket tier that best fits your circumstances:
- Free Admission Ticket: Fully free entry for anyone who needs it. We want everyone to be able to join us.
- Pay-What-You-Can Donation Ticket: Choose your own amount to support the event. Every donation directly helps us cover project costs and sustain independent community programming.
🎭 See the Play Live! Daniella Pollendine brings The Marvellous Adventures of Mary Seacole to life on stage, Thursday, 29th October at Rosemary Branch Theatre. Secure your tickets here: https://www.rosemarybranchtheatre.co.uk/show/the-marvellous-adventures-of-mary-seacole-7
Event venue & nearby stays
Hackney Archives, Dalston Square, London, United Kingdom
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