IN a year when the nation is commemorating the beginning of the First World War, Proteus Theatre Company is staging a contemporary look at past and present conflict from the perspective of two different women.

One-woman show 12.10.15, written by Clive Holland, tells the story of national heroine Edith Cavell through the eyes of a war-hardened and cynical 21st century journalist - in what could be her final moments - as she is held captive in a modern war zone.

Cavell, a brave and pioneering nurse, was executed by firing squad on October 12, 1915 for helping allied soldiers escape from German-occupied Belgium and the fictional journalist of the play reflects on what has happened in the century since her death.

Could Cavell’s death have been avoided? Was she used as a propaganda tool by the British Government to polarise world opinion against the Germans? In the 21st century theatre of war, are aid workers, journalists and civilians murdered and martyred, as Cavell was, in the hope that a jaded world will listen?

Mary Swan, Proteus’ artistic director, explained: “There are a number of journalists doing incredible work to bring the truth about some of the most bitter conflicts of our time to the attention of the world.

"The relentless need to serve the truth and ensure that truth can be told has a synergy with Edith Cavell’s tenacious fight to save as many allied soldiers from the clutches of the Germans as possible. “ This new play from Proteus, which takes its inspiration from the actions of a single woman a 100 years ago, is a challenging piece of theatre for modern day audiences.

12.10.15 will be touring from September 11 until November 11. The full tour schedule is available online at www.proteustheatre.com.

See it in Central Studio, QMC, tonight, Thursday, September 11 and Friday, September 12 at 7.30pm. Tickets priced £10.50 full, concessions available, can be purchased from the box office on 01256 418318.