Mary's Place in History Born in Plymouth England, Mary's mother began to disguise her as a boy in order to receive financial support from her grandmother. After learning the harsh realities of life at sea as an adult, she jumped ship and joined the British army, where she fought in the War of the Spanish Succession. After her husband's untimely death, she returned to the military dressed as a man and then boarded a ship for the West Indies. It was there that she met Calico Jack Rackham and his companion, fellow female pirate Anne Bonny. Still dressed as a man she joined Rackham's crew and she and Anne became fast friends, especially after each realized the other was a woman. Their crime spree on the high seas ended when Captain Jonathan Barnet took them by surprise off the shores of Jamaica. The crew didn't put up any resistance, being drunk, and fled below decks. Only Anne and Mary were left to fight Barnet's crew. Rackham and crew were sentenced to hang at Gallows Point while the women pleaded their bellies after being found guilty in a separate trial. Mary was returned to the Port Royal Gaol to await the birth of her child so she could be hung thereafter. She was never hung. She died in the Gaol of complications from childbirth in April 1721.
Mary Read was a strong woman with a robust constitution. She never backed down from a fight, especially when it was against an enemy who she believed had done her wrong. Michelle's portrayal is unflinching in its raw emotion and accurate interpretation of one of the most famous pirates of all time. She has extensively researched Mary, even unearthing some facts about her that are little known. Not only can she entertain a crowd with her representation of Mary, but along with fellow crewe mate Red Handed Jill as Anne, can add a lot of character to an event. The entire crewe of The Pyrates of the Coast can also perform the Tryal of Anne and Mary, following the historical records of the actual trial. What's more, Mary and Anne each do a briefing about their lives and what motivated them to become pirates -- the only re-enactors to attempt to get into the mind-set of the girls. Separate or together, their monologues are absolutely riveting. Availability Michelle is available for appearances throughout the U.S. and abroad as well as location shoots for film and video projects. Rates depend on the project. Please email Michelle at diosa@piratesofthecoast.com for more information. Biography Height: 5' 10" Other: Has own costumes, including period attire suitable for the 1710 - 1721 period. Has appeared in film and video projects, including documentaries and stage plays. |
An actress and performer for much of her life, Michelle Murillo captures the persona of Mary Read perfectly. Her portrayal is raw and unrepentant, much like the hell cat Mary was thought to be. Michelle's interest in Mary has even taken her to the Old Gaol in Port Royal, Jamaica where Mary Read died from the complications of childbirth.
Michelle's Portrayal of Mary
