Married in Black: Oral history project seeks tales

A new inner city history project is looking for Liverpool women to share their stories of mixed race relationships. Nwoko Theatre would like specifically like  to speak to women who lived in Toxteth in the 1970s and 1980s for Married in Black, an oral history project charting the stories of local women. Using verbatim accounts, the work will explore what the company says is the largely ignored subject of mixed racial marriages in the city, as part of Black History Month. Project leader Maria Paul graduated from Liverpool Hope University in 2008 and since then exploring woman's issues and using theatre as a tool to convey their stories has formed a large percentage of her work. Previous projects have included working with the south Asian community in Preston, where Maria researched the topic of domestic violence and women with no recourse to public funds in the UK. She says: "I am passionate about highlighting the inequality and injustice that women can face. I believe in raising awareness of these issues and more importantly celebrating the strength of woman in all cultures. The women who fell in love with black men in in Liverpool made the Liverpool 8 area their home because they felt that this was the only place that accepted them." Maria and Nwoko Theatre say they value the importance of this project as they feel it was made very difficult for woman of the era to have a voice. With  many of the women they would like to speak to typically in their mid 70s, their account of their history needs to be documented while they are still an active part of community. A series of social evenings are currently being held at Lantern Theatre to give local women the opportunity to share their stories and experiences. The social evenings are free events with refreshments and travel costs provided, and take place each Monday evening between 6pm and 9pm. The project will culminate in a presentation at the Lantern  on October 22 and 23. For more information on the project and to get involved, contact 0151 703 0000.