Feelgood Theatre Productions Slave – A Question of Freedom
The true story of a girl’s stolen childhood and her fight for survival.
This exceptional award-winning play tells Mende Nazer’s inspirational story. Set in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan and London the story of her joyful childhood, and subsequent enslavement is told by an outstanding ensemble of eight actor-musicians as a feast of storytelling, music and dance. It celebrates Mende’s indomitable spirit, the beauty of the ancient Nuba culture, and as a famine of the inhumanity and horror of trafficking and modern slavery. Mende’s story transcends borders and her voice beckons us to consider the essence of freedom, and to question why fifty million people around the world are enslaved today.
MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS: Best New Play “The play’s integrity and timeliness staged by Feelgood had the audience at The Lowry rapt. Like Mende, we can and should make a difference by standing up and being counted.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Written by Kevin Fegan, co-adapted by Kevin Fegan and Caroline Clegg from the autobiography Slave (Virago) by Mende Nazer and Damien Lewis and Directed by Caroline Clegg.
Winner of:
The first Anti-Slavery Award (Human Trafficking Foundation)
Best New Play – Pete Postlethwaite Manchester Evening News Award
Arts Review Award for Best Director, Best Actress and Best New Play
Performed in the House of Lords 2011
Additional information
Symposium on Thursday morning at 11am.
A symposium: ‘Experts by Experience’
This thought provoking round-table discussion will explore the issue of modern slavery and the challenges faced, particularly by women, in negotiating a place of safety through the asylum system. It will be led by Dr Rubina Jasani from the Humanitarian and Conflict Response Unit at The University of Manchester alongside women from Women Asylum Seekers Together. WAST women are experts by their lived experience and will share some of their stories which resonate with Mende’s story in ‘Slave – A Question of Freedom.’
£5 per person for Symposium alone. Free entry to ticket holders.
Accessible Performances
Audio Described | Sat 12 October 2024 at 7:30pm
BSL Interpreted by Emma Jane Mansfield | Sat 12 October 2024 at 2pm
To book accessible performances, please email access@thelowry.com or call 0161 876 2183
CHECK OUT THE REVIEWS
“Feelgood turned Mende’s harrowing autobiography into an intense triumphant piece of theatre brilliantly conceived and executed.
Kevin Bourke, Manchester Evening News
“All the clichés of such survival stories are inadequate to describe the emotional impact of her eventual deliverance… told in Mende’s voice with great beauty”
The Observer
“Clegg and Fegan have created a show that is thoughtful, thought-provoking and ultimately inspiring.”
Helen Jones, WhatsOnStage 4 stars
