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Fire From Heaven
Location: Dorset
By producing a community play in 2001 involving over 300 local people, this project explored and celebrated the history and heritage of the Dorset town of Dorchester. The play focused on the 17th century - a period for which Dorchester's historical records are preserved in great detail and have been the subject of considerable academic research.
Prof. David Underdown’s book of the same title as Rupert Creed's play, 'Fire From Heaven', was published in 1992, and gives a fascinating insight into life in Dorchester in the early 1600s. Drawing on this book and the group’s own research, the play focused on a charismatic Puritan priest, John White, who battled to change the ways of the dissolute irreligious townsfolk. His authority was 'enhanced' by two disastrous fires, hence the title!
One of John White's initiatives resulted in Dorset folk settling in the New World, ultimately founding Dorchester, Massachusetts. The final sad and bloody ending was the fall of the town to the Royalists during the Civil War.
The published play script is available from Vivienne Buttle, Hon Sec. DCPA, 8 Allington Terrace, Durngate Street, Dorchester DT1 1JS.
The project also produced a book, 'Dorchester Divided', containing archive material, photographs, a bibliography and background notes of the period. This is available from Vivienne Buttle, or from Ottakers Bookshop, South Street, Dorchester DT1 1DQ (01305 257 123). A video of the first act of the play should be available from November 2003 (contact Vivienne Buttle).
The Dorchester Community Plays Association is now planning its fifth production.
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Heritage Lottery Fund: 15000.00
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Video
