'Making Mayhem: Sheffield Suffragettes.'
The story of Sheffield suffragettes' struggle for the vote told in drama and song
‘Making Mayhem’ is based on recent research into Sheffield suffragettes’ struggle for the vote and tells the story of real people and real events. It focuses on Molly Morris, regional organiser of the Women’s Social and Political Union, who was based in the campaign shop in Chapel Walk, between 1912-14.
The play shows her dilemma: although she is frustrated by the intransigence of the Liberal government’s refusal to give women the vote, she is unsure that escalating militancy and violence is the answer.
Urged on to acts of greater daring by Mrs Pankhurst, Flora Shulster, Molly’s friend, takes matters into her own hands.
She is arrested, imprisoned and forcibly fed when she goes on hunger strike. Molly has to decide how far she herself will go for the Cause.
Meanwhile, Molly’s blossoming relationship with trade union activist, J. T. Murphy (Jack), is challenged by Jack’s ambivalence to the women’s struggle.
Queen Victoria, Adela Pankhurst, and women from the moderate suffragist movement, all play their part. Members of the Actresses’ Franchise League join the Sheffield campaign as lively catalysts for song and Music Hall parody.
‘Making Mayhem’ is set against a background of social unrest and political upheaval in Russia, Ireland and in the shadow of the First World War.
Performances
Library Theatre
Thursday April 19th to Sat 21st April
7.30pm
Tickets £5/£3.50
Advance tickets 07908973609
Community Tour
All tickets on door
Adults £2.00 Young People 12-16 free.
Firth Park Community School Fircroft Ave. S5 OSD
Thursday 26th April 7.00pm
Philadelphian WMC 4 Martin St. S6 3D
Friday 27th April 7.30pm
St Vincent’s CMS Club Solly St.
Saturday 28th April 7.30pm