Unearthed
By Stephanie Dale and directed by Penny Levick, Unearthed is a fierce new stage play about (extra)ordinary historical women who lived, loved, survived and thrived across our county.
To create the piece, since spring 2025, we have been running workshops and events for hundreds of women from across Dorset.
We asked the women of Dorset what they wanted to see on stage...
"We want the ordinary women to be on stage and the famous people to be in the chorus."
"To explore why difference is seen as a threat."
"Show women who pushed against the traditional roles."
"To set an example to young women that everything women achieve should be valued."
"Singing, dancing, laughter. Lots of fun!"
"Something that tells us we won't be forgotten."
ABOUT
In spring 2025, as a result of wanting women across Dorset to have greater access to the arts, Women of Dorset was founded by playwright Stephanie Dale, director, Penny Levick and Phase One producer Rowan Seymour.
During Phase One, to find and collate forgotten women from across time, we held a series of workshops at five arts venues. During this phase, we worked with over 150 women. Phase One was funded by The Maria Bjornson Memorial Trust Fund.
As of January 2026, we are entering our production phase. We are creating Unearthed, a fierce new stage play which will enable everyone across the county to know about the lives of some (extra)ordinary historical women. Details regarding how to audition for the play is on our NEWS page. The play will be staged in July 2026, at Dorchester Arts and Lighthouse, Poole.
The entire process, as part of a Phd exploring the connection between image and empowerment, is being documented by Jayne Jackson Photography.
Workshops
Gathering and Research Workshops
