On Tuesday 3rd March at 6pm – Dundee Arts Cafe at McManus : Dundee’s Art Gallery and Museum -
Mary Slessor was an Aiberdeen quine, who moved to
Dundee in the 1850's when the mills were at their height and worked tirelessly
with the Church to improve lives for the working class. She then moved on as a
Missionary to 'The Calabar' in modern day Nigeria. Here she fought for the
lives of children, women, and slaves; for human rights. She was brave and
feisty, warm and untiring in her struggle. She also outlived all her family in
Dundee despite the risks in the Calabar, also known as "The White Man's
Grave." In the Calabar she is known still as "The Mother of all
Peoples", yet here her story is relatively unknown, despite featuring on
the Clydesdale Bank £5 note!
With biographical story, song and personal insight, Ruth Kirkpatrick weaves the
threads of Mary's remarkable life, into a rich tapestry, to commemorate the
centenary of her death.
Born in the North East of Scotland, Ruth Kirkpatrick has performed at
Storytelling festivals all over, including India, Singapore, Iceland and Dubai.
Her strength is in forming a warm rapport with her audience, respecting the
tradition but giving her performance a personal, feisty sparkle.
