An award-winning writer has turned a wartime Barrow story into a theatre production that’s coming to the town in November.
25 Words tells the true story of Barrovian soldier Michael Lowden who was captured at the fall of Singapore and became a prisoner of war.
His family was only allowed to write 25 words a month to their captive son.
Writer Kevin Fegan has brought Michael’s tale of hope and resilience to the stage.
The production comes to Barrow Town Hall for two performances on November 8 and November 9 as part of Theatre Factory’s IF! Inclusion Festival – a year-long programme of theatre about Barrow and its people.
Tickets are free – or by donation – and are available here.
Kevin said: “Michael’s story is dramatic. He goes through so many ordeals – war, being captured at the fall of Singapore, being torpedoed and getting rescued in the South China Sea.
“Being forced into hard labour on the death railway to Burma and surviving against all the odds when many thousands of POWs lost their lives.
“You have the experience Michael went through but you also have the story of those at home in Barrow – how they coped not knowing whether their loved ones were alive or dead. How they handled snippets of information from the war – yet not really knowing exactly what was going on.”
The brief 25 word messages sent to Michael were saved by his family for 80 years. Kevin has been able to use those letters in the play.
He said: “It must’ve been so difficult to try to convey feelings in such little words. It’s like food rationing but with words.
“On one hand the messages contained routine family announcements but I think you have to read between the lines. It’s almost about what isn’t said.”
While 25 Words has lighter moments Kevin could not escape the reality of war.
He added: “It was really important to include some humour. But it’s important for me as a playwright not to sanitise the experience.
“What these people went through was horrendous. To be sunk at sea, to be fighting for your life, to be forced into hard labour miles from home – wondering if you would ever see home again. I had to bear all this in mind.”
IF! Inclusion Festival has funding from Arts Council England and BAE Systems.
Tickets are now available and are free or by donation to Theatre Factory which is a registered charity. Tickets are available here.
