'Passion'

2014 marked the one hundredth anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War, coinciding with the planned exit of Britain from ongoing conflict in Afghanistan. In recognition of those historic events, AsOne Theatre created a new play, ‘Passion’, which used memories as research - ranging from letters, texts, emails, video, photographs and conversations between the soldiers of the two conflicts and their loved ones. Intertwining these stories from the two conflicts, 'Passion' integrated genuine memories, original live music and song creating a poignant, sometimes funny, vivid and surprising take on the effect of war on combatants and families alike. The project had five primary strands, for which separate and specific grant funding was provided. Its research and heritage legacy received support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, whilst artistic development and professional development were both funded by Arts Council England. The 2014 touring production was box office-funded, with further sponsorship from local businesses. Educational tours and interactive workshops for schools, held between September 2014 and March 2015, were facilitated through funding from Dorset District Council. Hundreds of letters were received from veterans and their families, with stories selected and logged prior to interview and recording. Digital recordings and the printed archive of the research and performances of this unique project are now lodged with the Dorset History Centre.