A new play that has been inspired by real life events will hit the stage next month.
The Marina Theatre has commissioned Norah’s Ark, which will be staged for four performances this July.
Written by Lowestoft playwright John Hales, Norah’s Ark, is the extraordinary tale of a fictional Lowestoft woman, whose life is shaped by a vision she has as a child of an epic flood that sweeps through the town.
Inspired by real life events - including the 1953 floods - and looking to a future shaped by climate change, Norah’s Ark is a story about community action, of making small steps to overcome great odds and about how Lowestoft’s fate has and always will be entwined with the sea.
Looking at a coastal town's relationship with the sea on the 70th anniversary of the devastating 1953 floods, George Boundy, from the Marina Theatre, said: "The production is the culmination of a project which started back in January, with the Marina giving free workshops to primary and secondary schools, as well as care homes.
"The recollections of past flooding as well as creative responses to floods and climate change collected in these sessions has helped to inform John Hales’ research when creating this piece."
The show, staged by Suffolk-based Spinning Wheel Theatre Company, will premiere at the Marina Theatre for four performances to an audience of all ages.
Mr Boundy added: "Much of our landscape has been shaped through history by floods, erosion and reclaimed land.
"One of my takeaways from delivering the community workshops was a feeling that whatever the future brings, the people of Lowestoft are its true resilience and I hope that’s what this play shows."
The production features archive images from past floods alongside the drama, with a newly composed shanty written by Rogues Shanty Chorus’ Paul Amer.
This project is funded by Historic England through the Lowestoft Heritage Action Zones, in partnership with East Suffolk Council.
Norah’s Ark takes place between Thursday, July 6 and Saturday, July 8.
Tickets available online or call 01502 533200.
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