TOLLARD Talks return to the village on Cranborne Chase on Friday 14th October with an unusual and exciting event, Chinese Boxing, a performance by Mark Kitto, an expert on the vast but mysterious country.

The play is also being performed at Martock’s beautiful parish church on Thursday 13th October, at 7.30pm. The event is organised by the Guardians of Martock Church who raise money to support the church.

The Boxer Rebellion, 1899 to 1901, is also known as the Boxer Uprising, the Boxer Insurrection, or the Yihetuan Movement. It was an anti-foreign, anti-colonial and anti-Christian uprising in China, towards the end of the Qing dynasty. The rebellion was started by the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists (Yìhéquán), known as the “Boxers” in English because many of its members had practised Chinese martial arts, which at the time were referred to as “Chinese boxing”.

Actor, writer and China pundit Mark Kitto has created an entertaining and thought-provoking show reflecting on the rebellion, with resonances to China today.

Mark brings to life three characters, who each present a particular and authentic view of the events, without quite realising how interconnected they are.

After the performance, which begins at 7pm, Mark will host a question and answer session about the modern situation between China and the West.

As always, the audience is advised to “dress warm!” For bookings email tollardtalks@nullgmail.com