Among the most notorious pirates of the 18th century, Bonny and Read formed a formidable duo on the high seas. Known for their fierce reputations in the Caribbean, they swore, fought and often disguised themselves as men while wielding axes and cutlasses.
Refusing to accept the limitations placed on women of their time, they chose a life of adventure, sailing to the Caribbean in the fall of 1720 and securing their place in pirate lore.
Cornwell joined Women in History Ohio in 2022. An accomplished actor and director, she has performed with Cleveland Play House, Great Lakes Theater and Dobama Theatre. She has directed productions for Lake Erie College, Willoughby Fine Arts and Hathaway Brown School, where she served as Theatre Director for more than two decades. She holds a master’s degree from Case Western Reserve University and is a member of SAG/AFTRA and a Master Teacher of the Michael Chekhov Acting Technique.
Pease, Artistic Director of Kulture Kids, also joined the organization in 2022. She holds degrees from The Boston Conservatory and Case Western Reserve University, and has performed and taught theater, music, dance and storytelling nationwide.
Her work includes roles as a director, educator and artist-in-residence at institutions such as Hiram College, Hawken School and Notre Dame College of Ohio, along with collaborations with Playhouse Square and MetroHealth’s Center for Arts in Health. An award-winning teaching artist and storyteller, Pease has been recognized by the National Storytelling Network and continues to create innovative programs that connect the arts, education and community.
