Slave: A Question of Freedom – Riverside Studios

Slave: A Question of Freedom is a powerful performance that transports the audience to the Nuba Mountains, where we are introduced to Mende Nazer in her childhood. We see Mende with her family, singing, dancing, playing, attending school, and enjoying the wonders of life. This remarkable true story soon shifts gears, confronting us with the brutal reality and horrors inflicted by humankind.

We witness the devastation as Mende’s village is raided, families are killed, and children are taken—forced into lives they never wanted or deserved. The play delves into the ongoing existence of modern slavery, vividly portraying the tragic reality that such horrors are still a part of our world. The scenes make references to incidents including sexual violence, murder, female circumcision and many more distressful topics.

The production also raises questions about religion, probing how individuals with shared beliefs and faith can hold such contrasting interpretations, sometimes leading to harm and suffering inflicted on others.

The cast was outstanding, delivering emotionally charged performances. Ebony Feare captivated the audience with a heartfelt monologue about her own life and struggles; the room fell silent, many in tears, as she recounted the horrors she faced.

The set was intimate, allowing seamless transitions with minimal props between locations like the village and other settings, enhancing the story’s immediacy and emotional depth. There was also a song sung throughout the show, almost as a lullaby asking where Mende is now. This small piece of music that was sung throughout was slow and impactful and added to the later of distress that the families were facing.

This was a profoundly impactful performance that opens your eyes to the harsh realities still present in our society, perhaps even hidden in plain sight. The play, with its exceptional cast and thought-provoking message, leaves you considering ways to make a difference and become part of the change.

Slave: A Question of Freedom is an eye-opening experience based on a true story, and it comes highly recommended for its ability to resonate and stay with you long after the curtain falls. It is a show that highlights issues that many do not realise are still happening today.

Reviewer: Zain Russell

Reviewed: 31st October 2024

North West End UK Rating: