Diverse City, in collaboration with The Mowlem Theatre in Swanage, were proud to present SW!M, a live event that took place on Midsummer’s Day. Inspired by the open conversations had between women, wild swimming in Swanage Bay, the evening began with In Our Own Words. This spoken production is told using recorded conversations to relate the stories and experiences of these intrepid women who brave the waters all year round. In Our Own Words is directed by Deborah Paige.
The production was followed by In Our Element, a choreographed dance/swim extravaganza performed on the beach and in the sea by 50 local women swimmers. In Our Element was created by our very own Claire Hodgson, who in addition to being one of our Artistic Directors, is herself a keen wild swimmer.
Check out some highlights of the performance of In Our Element below!
The live performances were accompanied by a photographic exhibition by local photographer Milly Haines, who has shot some specially commissioned photographs of the women who swim in Swanage Bay. This exhibit, which captures their joy and spirit of community is available on the first floor of the Mowlem until 6 July.
This performance was made possible by a grant from both the Arts Council’s Let’s Create Jubilee Fund as part of Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, and also one from our good friends at Dorset Community Foundation who support so much of our work. Thank you!
