New film tells the inspiring stories of nurse pioneers Nightingale and Seacole

Documentary uses art, dance and interviews to highlight their challenges and achievements

A new documentary uses dance, drama and drawings to tell the stories of pioneering nurses Mary Seacole and Florence Nightingale.

The documentary, Seacole + Nightingale, includes interviews with nurses and other NHS staff discussing how the two have inspired them.

Nightingale and Seacole remain role models for nurses

In a trailer for the film, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust charge nurse for critical care Daryl Arcillas says: ‘Florence Nightingale has been a like a role model for nursing and Mary Seacole herself as well, in terms of having the equality and diversity.’

Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust head of occupational therapy Odeth Richardson, referring to Mary Seacole, says: ‘Whenever I get issues and I get problems I remember she persevered, she kept going, so I can do that too.’

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In addition to interviews, the documentary uses contemporary dance routines to depict difficulties faced by the two women.

It also includes original artwork from artist Bernadette Koranteng and a poem written by children from Seaton Sluice primary school in Whitley Bay, Northumberland.

‘They had one thing in common: a desire to care for humanity’

The 30-minute documentary, directed by contemporary choreographer Eliot Smith, will be released on 13 August.

Mr Smith said he was proud to bring the work to audiences. ‘Mary Seacole and Florence Nightingale came from two different backgrounds and both faced different challenges, but they both had one thing in common: a desire to care for humanity,’ he said.

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‘I believe their stories are extremely relevant today, both in response to the current coronavirus outbreak and to the challenges that are still faced involving gender and colour.’

Mary Seacole Trust chair Trevor Sterling said he was delighted to contribute to the documentary. ‘It will ensure that the tremendous effort of those on the front line during this pandemic, particularly nurses, will continue to be gratefully acknowledged and that Mary Seacole and Florence Nightingale will continue to inspire.’

Find out more

Eliot Smith Dance

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