This year drama, film and art commemorate the anniversary of the start of the First World War and the bravery of the men who fought for freedom, but a new play entitled 12-10-15 focuses on a female war heroine, Edith Cavell.

The drama, written by Clive Holland and presented by Proteus Theatre, is heading for Swindon on September 19.

The one woman show stars Mary Rose, and is the story of the nurse who helped more than 200 Allied soldiers to escape from German-occupied Belgium, in the First World War. Edith was shot by firing squad on October 12, 1915.

The sub title of the play is The Life And Death Of A British Martyr and the story is told by a female journalist held captive in a modern day war, who fears her own execution is near.

She is portrayed as a war-weary and cynical woman who raises the questions: Was Edith Cavell allowed to be put to death to make her a martyr? Was she a propaganda tool for the British Government to encourage hatred of Germany? And today, are aid workers, journalists and even civilians murdered simply to get the world to notice a cause?

Waiting to be shot at dawn in 1915, or held captive in a 21st century conflict, the two women face the horrors of war and both stand up to be counted, fighting against oppression.

Yet Edith Cavell did not fight against her sentence. Her words the day before she was shot were: “I expected my sentence and I believe it was just. Standing as I do in view of God and Eternity, I realise that patriotism is not enough, I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone.”

The play is directed by Mary Swan, who said: “The story of Edith Cavell appealed to me because there are so few plays that explore the female experience of conflict... often stories of the First World War may reflect the work of nurses on the front line in a caring and reactive role, but very rarely do we see how women took action against oppressors or helped allied soldiers in hostile situations.”

The production will have a fundraising stand from the nursing charity Cavell Nurses’ Trust at each performance.

Tickets to see the gritty drama that starts at 7.30pm in the Swindon Arts Centre, Old Town are £12 available from 01793 524481. - Flicky Harrison