Echoes of Gonamena

No props, no set, no costumes – just words to ignite the imagination.

Echoes of Gonamena: a dramatic playreading – the arc

Minions Moor 1837. The Cornish copper boom. Inward migration tops three thousand. Shacks, ale shops, whorehouses, missionaries; filth, danger, poverty. A farming family divided. Will the mines deliver opportunity or wreak destruction? A universal story of change, and our individual response to it.

Original cast members from the hit 2009 production of Gonamena reunite for a special one-off ‘dramatic reading’ celebrating South East Cornwall’s mining heritage and the 20th anniversary of Cornish Mining’s UNESCO World Heritage status.

No props, no set, no costumes – just words to ignite the imagination.

Capturing the true and dramatic story of the Caradon mines’ boom and bust years, Echoes of Gonamena combines a carefully researched script with the talents of community and professional performers. Written by Simon Parker, directed by Olivier Award-winning Kneehigh director Simon Harvey, produced by Sarah Pym, and with a live performance by the Boilerhouse choir.

‘As well as being funny and charming and heartbreaking in equal measure, Gonamena unfolds in the language of the people, rich in authentic Cornish dialect, bringing to life the very human side of the Industrial Revolution’ – Jackie Butler Western Morning News

‘A wonderful piece of work. Lovely, lovely writing – Gonamena is an absolute joy from start to finish’ – Anna Murphy Kneehigh Theatre

‘A great night. All the depth and emotion I expect from this team. I loved how the play looked at the issues but felt entirely inclusive’ – Jenny Alexander The Free-Range Writer