St. George’s Anglican Church is staging a production of Mary Slessor: Great White Ma, a play written by local playwright, Colin Wilson, who is also a member of the church.

The play tells the compelling story of Mary Slessor, a late 19th Century Scottish missionary who served the people of the Calabar region of Southern Nigeria. Her service to the people of Calabar is remembered and honoured there to this day.

Ms. Slessor lived among the people and ministered to them. She learned their language and culture and spread the Christian faith. She persuaded those who still held traditional beliefs, particularly the killing of twins at birth, to abandon these cruel practices. She administered modern medicines to cure a variety of tropical diseases. She was also a crusader for women’s rights and social justice, and even served as a magistrate.

Wilson says, “It’s my bit for gender equality. Mary Slessor accomplished so much. Yet the exploits of her countryman and fellow missionary, Dr. David Livingstone, are much better known in the West. This play is an effort to honour the legacy of a remarkable woman.”

The title role is being played by Jamie K. Smith, a young graduate of the Cayman National Cultural Foundation’s Summer Arts Camp.

The production runs Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun from October 9-12 at the St. George’s Anglican Church Hall, beginning at 7:00 p.m. (except Sunday [matinee] 3pm) Tickets are available from the Church Office (above Pre-school) or may be purchased at the door on the nights of the production. Telephone: 949-5583/9164594

To read the Cayman Compass interview with the playwright Colin Wilson and Mary Slessor rehearsal photographs go to:

http://www.compasscayman.com/caycompass/2014/10/03/Church-stages-local-playwright-s-show/

and to watch the interview on CITN/Cayman27 with Mary Slessor cast members Fiona Pimentel and Sharon Marshall go to:

http://www.cayman27.com.ky/2014/10/07/mary-slessor-great-white-ma