One of the Island's most influential educators will be remembered in a special dramatic presentation at the Bermuda National Gallery. This will mark both Black History Month and Education Month.

Ruth Thomas and Company will present "Remembering Dame Marjorie Bean" at the BNG tomorrow at 5.30 p.m.

The Company consists of Ruth Thomas, Grace Rawlings, Gary Phillips and Leo Mills. They will perform dramatic readings from Dame Marjorie's life in a reprise of a production first presented at City Hall last year.

Of her close friend, Ms Thomas said: "Marjorie was a real trailblazer in education and for women in general. She started so many organisations that addressed important causes."

Dame Marjorie, who died aged 91 in 2001, was instrumental in starting the Bermuda Professional Women's Association, which championed the cause of women in Bermuda.

"She also started the Debutante's Ball, which placed great emphasis on academic achievement," said Ms Thomas. "She was the first black supervisor of schools in the Department of Education, Bermuda's first Dame, and the first female appointed to the Legislative Council (now the Senate).

"Dame Marjorie was also the first executive officer of the Civil Service Association and the first Bermudian to win a British Council Scholarship."

She was someone who really worked hard in and for the community, added Ms Thomas. "She was a visionary, a leader ? someone totally consumed with energy and ideas."

Tickets are available from the BNG front desk priced $20 for non-members and $10 for BNG members.