For too long Mary Shelley's life has been overshadowed by the two men in her life - Percy Shelley and Frankenstein's monster and Bournemouth has shamefully ignored her.
Mary's life was mainly itinerant, and her last resting place offers a focus for the international interest that exists.
The aim of the THE MARY SHELLEY FESTIVAL is to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Mary Shelley and to bring attention to her connection with Bournemouth.
We expect a lot of interest nationally. Her 'monstrous progeny' , has become an iconic figure in Western culture. WavyBlue's aim is to bring her to life as vividly and as creatively as possible through art, drama, performance and music.
Playwright Diane Samuels (of the award winning Kindertransport) will present a premier reading of her new play on Mary Shelley, and there will also be a reading of a play by Christine Aziz; Mary Shelley Goes to Hollywood. It is hoped that the play will be performed for the Festival in the Shelley theatre, subject to funding. Entries from Mary Shelley's journal will be brought to life by actors, along with dramatised readings of her lesser known works . Throughout the two days there will be several short talks by Shelley experts. As Mary was married to poet Percy Shelley a themed poetry evening on the dark side of human nature will be featured.