Portrayed by Cyndi Janzen

Mary Read led quite a life! Born in England sometime in the late 17th century to a sea captain’s widow, Read’s father is unknown. Since Mary’s mother received financial support for Mary’s brother, when the brother died, Mary’s mother dressed her daughter as a boy and presented her as the brother. The disguise was successful until Mary was in her late teens. Mary continued in disguise and worked on a ship, then joined the British military. She distinguished herself in battle, but eventually loved and married a Flemish soldier. When her husband died, Mary took on a male persona once again. While on board a ship for the West Indies, pirates took over the ship and forced her to join them. This was the start of her career as a pirate.

Offering a marked a contrast to Cyndi Janzen’s refined portrayal of Annis Boudinot Stockton, Janzen is also quite convincing as Pirate Mary Read. Certified in stage combat, Ms. Janzen depicts a woman able to win fights using whatever means necessary. Pictures of Read show a high-energy, confident and resilient figure, able to defend herself and also quite able to go on the attack. With words, body language and/or swords, Mary Read is a force to be reckoned with!

Invite Mary Read to your event:

• Parties: Visually-recognizable historical characters to Meet & Greet, Mix & Mingle, Propose Toasts, Pose for Photo Ops
Mix & Mingle
• Educational Programs: Program with Press Conference for schools, museums, libraries and historical sites
• Pair with John Paul Jones
• Cyndi Janzen: Bio of Actor/Historian, Reenactor, or Impersonator