ABOUT THE PLAY

The Hancock County Historical Society (HCHS) will present two performances of Sink or Be Sunk!, an original play recounting the events of the War of 1812 when a British fleet entered the Mississippi Gulf Coast waters.  Performances will be held Saturday, September 28 at 2 pm and 7 pm at the Bay St. Louis Community Hall located at 301 Blaize Avenue, Bay St. Louis, MS.  Admission is free.  Donations will be gratefully accepted.

In December of 1814, a large British fleet carried troops to confront General Andrew Jackson on the battlefield in Chalmette, LA.  At the time, American naval defenses in the Gulf were meager. A small contingent of American boats consisting of one tender and five gunboats engaged the British in two separate battles. The first occurred on December 13, 1814, when the British boats entered the Bay of St. Louis and encountered the American schooner Seahorse. The second occurred on the following day at the mouth of the Rigolets Pass when the five gunboats made a valiant effort to stave off a formidable attack by British barges. Though ultimately defeated, the American stand delayed the British and enabled General Jackson to reinforce his troops.

The play centers on these events and on Lt. Thomas ap Catesby Jones, the 25-year old leader of the American squadron.  Persons with sensory issues are advised that sound and lighting effects mimicking gunfire and cannon blasts will bring the battles to life during the show.

The historical drama Sink or Be Sunk! was written by HCHS member, Beverly Frater, and will be directed by HCHS member, Jim Codling.  It is based on the book Sink or Be Sunk!, written by HCHS member, Paul Estronza La Violette. This well-researched book is available for purchase for $30 at the Hancock County Historical Society, 108 Cue St, Bay St. Louis and on the society’s website.


The Mississippi Humanities Council has awarded HCHS a $2,500 grant in support of this production. The Society is also grateful to the City of Bay St. Louis and to the Mystic Krewe of the Seahorse for their support and assistance.  For further information, call HCHS at 228-467-4090.