Award-winning Frome-based charity for people with learning disabilities – Openstorytellers – will be performing their brand new show at the Merlin Theatre as part of this year’s Frome Festival, on Friday 13th July at 7.30pm.
‘The Fortunes and Misfortunes of Fanny Fust’ is the culmination of a year-long research and development project, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The group says, “We are a company of storytellers with learning disabilities who campaign to have our voices heard in society. Our new show tells the story of Fanny Fust, an heiress born in Bristol in 1764, with severe learning disabilities. She was carried away to France by a ‘soldier of fortune’. After a long and eventful journey, the case came to trial before the good citizens of Bristol who set about deciding whether or not she understood the meaning of marriage. The story raises questions about capacity and consent that are as relevant today as they were in 1787.
“We would like to invite you to watch our performance of Fanny’s story, told through drama, dance and song, and consider – was Fanny able to consent to marriage? Was Henry Bowerman a hero or a villain? And most importantly – did you hear Fanny’s voice in the story?
“We want people to change the way they think about people like us, like we did with our ‘King of the Goblins’ story. We asked the audience questions and made them think. We want to show people that even though we have special needs, we are the same as those who don’t.
“Don’t miss out on this unique and thought provoking show. Tickets cost £8.50/£5.50 and are available at the Merlin Theatre box office here: https://merlintheatre.cloudvenue.co.uk/openstorytellersfromefestival2018
“Openstorytellers is a charity created to enrich the lives of adults and young people with learning and communication difficulties, using traditional stories and personal narrative to develop communication skills, build confidence and self-esteem, learn transferable skills and find their voice in their community. If you’d like to know more about OST or if you know someone who may be interested in joining our storytelling company please contact us at info@ openstory-tellers.org.uk /01373 454099.”
