First public screening of new documentary telling the story of Mary Ann Macham
A new short documentary telling the remarkable story of Mary Ann Macham will be premiered in North Shields next month, with members of the public invited to attend the free event.
Mary Ann Macham: The Making of a Memorial will premiere for the first time at the Old Low Light heritage centre and community space in North Shields on Saturday 10th October, with two free public screenings at 1.30pm and 3pm.
The 20-minute short documentary film follows acclaimed sculptor Keith Barrett over three years as he creates a permanent bronze memorial honouring Mary Ann Macham, who escaped slavery in Virginia and found freedom in North Shields.
Produced by Local Heroes and directed by Dan Prince, the documentary takes viewers behind the scenes of the memorial’s creation, from rough timber and chainsaw carving through to bronze casting and the finished sculpture, now standing at the top of the Riverside Embankment Walkway in North Shields overlooking the Fish Quay.
The screenings will be followed by a Q&A with sculptor Keith Barrett, filmmaker Dan Prince and a panel of historians, giving audiences the opportunity to explore Mary Ann’s story, the making of the memorial and the research behind it.
Panellist members confirmed including Dr Lauren Darwin (Lecturer in Early Modern History, Newcastle University), Genevieve Johnson (Historian & Researcher in Transatlantic Anti-Slavery), Justine King (Regional Education Coordinator, Show Racism the Red Card) and Dr Beverley Prevatt Goldstein (Coordinator, African Lives in Northern England).
The event is being held during Black History Month and offers members of the public a first opportunity to see the film and hear directly from those involved in bringing Mary Ann’s story back to the town, as one of North Tyneside’s most remarkable, yet once overlooked, historical figures.
Dan Prince, co-founder of Local Heroes, says, “What drew me to this story was the connection between Mary Ann’s extraordinary journey and Keith’s determination to make sure her story was properly told.
“I followed Keith for more than three and a half years as he researched her life and worked towards creating the statue, and the film became as much about that process as it was about Mary Ann herself. What interested me most was how a life like hers is interpreted through history, sculpture and film, and the responsibility that comes with trying to tell that story well.”
Old Low Light Centre director Guy Moody says, “We are pleased to be working with Local Heroes and it is fitting that it is taking place during Black History Month.
“We were very proud to highlight the courageous story of Mary Ann Macham and were delighted when Keith was commissioned to create the sculpture. We hope by keeping the story alive, that one day we will be able to find out more about Mary Ann’s life, both in Virginia and in North Shields.”
Each screening on Saturday 10th October is a free, ticketed event, and members of the public can get a free ticket via Eventbrite for either a 1.30pm or 3pm showing.
1.30pm Showing: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mary-ann-macham-one-of-north-tynesides-most-remarkable-historical-figures-tickets-1997832161776?aff=oddtdtcreator
3pm Showing: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mary-ann-macham-one-of-north-tynesides-most-remarkable-historical-figures-tickets-1997832348334?aff=oddtdtcreator
Mary Ann Macham: The Making of a Memorial is for anyone interested in local history, culture, identity and belonging, and in the stories that help us understand the places we call home.