A crowdfunding campaign is underway to bring a tale about Jiu Jitsu-practising suffragettes to the stages and schools of Preston.

Lancashire theatre company Horse + Bamboo are looking to raise £10,000 by 27 March for the play, titled Suffrajitsu. It’s the true story of a Lancashire mill girl who joined the suffrage movement to be trained in Jiu Jitsu by Edith Garrud, a small, slight woman from Wales who prepared volunteers to become members of an elite all-female protection unit.

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Suffragettes endured police brutality, force feeding and repeated arrest. Jiu Jitsu – a martial art that uses the strength of the attacker against them – was the perfect way for suffragettes to defend themselves against such assaults.

Read more: Why it is only right we have an Edith Rigby statue in Preston

Writer Ruthie Boycott-Garnet said, “We really hope the people of Preston recognise the importance of sharing the story of Lancashire’s suffragettes with young audiences. It’s such a fascinating subject for young people to learn about. We hope Suffrajitsu inspires them to see how they too can change the world. Who knows, perhaps some of our young audience members could be the next heroes of our time.” 

The show will be created using puppetry, storytelling and imagery, with input from local schools and community groups. It will tour schools and theatres from autumn 2018.

As a registered charity, Horse + Bamboo rely on donations from audiences to continue making new work. They are offering rewards to those who donate to the Crowdfunder, including an exclusive signed print and tickets to the show.

You can pledge your support at their Crowdfunder before 10am on 27 March 2018.