About Us
Talking History & Making Theatre
We've created All Hands!, an original theatrical production inspired by the story behind the wrecking of the Nornen on Berrow Beach (Somerset) in 1897.
Alongside the professional creative process, we've run History Talks, Theatre Making Workshops AND given community members the chance to come and join the professionals to help shape the show.
Our History
2020
The Nornen Project was founded by Corrinne Curtis to share the story of the Nornen through community activities and an original theatre production.
October 2021 to March 2022
Our initial activities were delivered to mark the wreck's 125th anniversary in 2022, including history talks and theatre making sessions.
March 2022
125th anniversary of the wrecking of the Nornen and the crew's rescue marked with a local history display at The Princess Theatre & Arts Centre.
June 2022
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The Nornen Project CIC was formed following the success of our initial activities.
Autumn 2022
Planning and fundraising began to deliver a full programme of Nornen-related activities and an original theatre production in Spring and Summer 2023.
April & May 2023
The cast and creative team spent two weeks devising the show and the community cast began rehearsing. Our latest programme of activities began for communities and schools.
Summer 2023
All Hands! performed to 6 sold out audiences 3rd - 6th August and raised £633.87 for RNLI. A Civic Reception was held with Burnham & Highbridge Town Council to welcome a delegation from Brevik, Norway, where the Nornen came from.
Autumn 2023
Looking to old and new, we evaluate our work to date and what might come next...
Our mission
The Nornen Project CIC exists to:
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Create theatre productions inspired by local history, stories and identity
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Provide opportunities for and improve local engagement with theatre, history and the arts
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Involve our community in the stories that we tell
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Actively remove barriers to participation in the arts, whether such barriers are physical, psychological, socio-economic or otherwise
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Be a positive role model for changing perceptions of disability and deaf culture
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Promote pride in our local heritage
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We do this by:
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Making sure that activities are either low cost or free of charge
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Ensuring that all activities take place in venues which have step-free access, a breakout space (for those with sensory processing disorders, Autism, anxiety and so on), and accessible toilets as a minimum
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Including opportunities for community co-creation in each project
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Working with artists, partners and consultants who are deaf and/or disabled alongside those who are not
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Working with community members who are deaf and/or disabled alongside those who are not
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Providing opportunities to promote and train in Deaf Awareness and Disability Awareness
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Celebrating and bringing to life local history
Team Nornen
Alongside Corrinne and Daniel are our third Company Director Sami Green, and Board Members Donna Rowsell and Allison Ward.
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If you are interested in supporting our work by becoming a Board Member, please contact nornenproject@gmail.com.