Edith Cavell – Facing the Silence

It is 1915. Norfolk nurse, Edith Cavell, has been captured by the Germans and accused of treason. She has faced sixty days of near solitary confinement, interrogation and now a trial. Surely the Germans will not execute a woman?

Yet, Edith Cavell is facing another trial, alone in her cell. Sixty days alone with the only person who knows who Edith Cavell really is—herself. Edith Cavell is facing the silence. Set in Edith’s prison cell in the St Gilles Prison on Brussels, John Mangan’s play explores the life and trial of this trailblazing woman. A pioneer of nursing training, with a strong sense of duty, Edith found herself trapped in an occupied country surrounded by an English hating German Military hierarchy.

"I have only recently learned of Nurse Cavell’s actions and bravery," said director Glenda Campi.

"Many people have heard of Edith, but not so many realise just what a risk she took in her resistance work or how she protected allied soldiers and her trainee nurses. John’s play brings out the human cost of duty and sacrifice, not to mention Edith’s strong character and sense of humour, along with her life story. It’s a fabulous piece of factual writing."