As part of the 2014 centenary of The Great War, the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is staging a new play, The Christmas Truce. Inspired by real events exactly 100 years ago, when soldiers along the Western Front left their trenches on Christmas Eve to meet their enemies in No Man's Land to talk, exchange gifts and play football, the play will draw on true stories of soldiers in the Warwickshire Regiment.
In preparation for the production, which opens in Stratford-upon-Avon in late November, the RSC is inviting the public to share stories and memories of their families' involvement in the First World War. On Saturday 8 March between 10am-3pm, anyone who knows of their family's connection to the First World War or would like to know, is welcome to come along to 'Sharing Stories Of The Great War', a drop-in event taking place at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. Those attending are encouraged to bring photos, letters or any other items about their stories.
The Christmas Truce is being written by Phil Porter and directed by RSC Deputy Artistic Director, Erica Whyman, who are keen to enrich their understanding of Warwickshire and the surrounding area's connection to the First World War. They will both be at the drop-in event, and are looking forward to hearing people's recollections.
Erica Whyman said: "Phil is currently in the middle of writing the play. It's a story that is deeply rooted in local history, so we'd both really like to hear from people from the area who have something to tell us about their family's connection with The Great War and The Warwickshire Regiment. We can't promise that these stories will make their way into the play, but they will certainly help us in shaping it."
The event will also be a chance for people to find out how to research their family's historical involvement with the War. Representatives from the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Museum (Royal Warwickshire) and a historian who specialises in helping people discover their family history, as well as computers with relevant online resources, will all be available on the day.
'Sharing Stories Of The Great War' takes place on Saturday 8 March in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. It is an informal event, and people can drop in at any time and for as long as they like between 10am-3pm.
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