A BOOKSHOP owner is bringing a play based on true events in Siberia to West Dorset.

Counting the Birches: One Day in Siberia was written by Andrew Rutherford, the owner of Wild and Homeless books in Bridport.

It will be performed at the Bridport Arts Centre on Sunday March 8.

Counting the Birches unfolds over a single day in November 1885 and is set within the Kara prison complex in eastern Siberia.

The drama focusses on three remarkable women: two revolutionary prisoners and a mother who has voluntarily joined her daughter.

The startling appearance of an American journalist, and his meeting with the prison’s brutal security officer, present the women with alarming dilemmas.

The play was written by Andrew and directed by Spencer Butler.

Together they brought the sell-out show Blindspot to the arts centre last year.

Blindspot was set in July 2003, in the aftermath of the Iraq War and explored the death of Dr David Kelly.

Marketing manager Lisa Wilcock said: “Andrew Rutherford is a retired professor of law and criminology and his thought provoking political plays are something that we all look forward to seeing on the arts centre stage”

Tickets are £10 and all funds go towards improving the facilities at Bridport Arts Centre.

Contact the venue for tickets.