Slavery play comes to Plymouth
Searing new play about slavery in 1800s Barbados comes to Plymouth as part of a tour of UK cities with links to the transatlantic slave trade
Muscovado is BurntOut Theatre's scorching new play about slavery in Nineteenth Century Barbados, written by emerging playwright Royal Court alumnus Matilda Ibini. A heady mix of sexual intrigue, piercing choral music and extreme racial tension, Muscovado provides an unflinching portrayal of life on a sugar plantation in 1808, accompanied by original music and atmospheric soundscape performed live by the cast.
“A truly visceral experience. The sweat dripping from the bodies of the actors, confessions in candlelight and sacred song combine with some great writing from a promising future playwright.” **** - The British Theatre Guide
Muscovado will be performed on 19th and 20th April at Stoke Damerel Church, Plymouth as part of a tour visiting 15 cities around the UK with links to the transatlantic slave trade, including Hull, Bristol and Liverpool; theatres and site-specific venues to include Danson House and The Carriageworks, Leeds as well as Brighton and Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
“Really powerful” – BBC Radio 1
Set between the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act and the Abolition of slavery, Muscovado tells the interconnected stories of a planter family and their slaves, shedding light on the British involvement in the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
“Stirring. This isn’t theatre for the faint-hearted. Go if you can.” **** – FemaleArts.com
Muscovado was commissioned by BurntOut Theatre following the discovery of archives relating to Artistic Director Clemmie Reynolds’ family, who lived in Barbados in 1800s. Emerging Nigerian playwright Matilda Ibini recently became the youngest winner of the BBC Writersroom10 Award, is supported by a Prince William scholarship including mentoring by BAFTA, and is Soho Theatre's Writer-in-Residence.
“Compelling. A passionate piece of work. It is a necessary and daring insight into history that though should never be forgotten and should never be repeated. Go and see it!” ****– Ronke Lawal, Afridiziak.com
Muscovado was first staged in 2014 at the Victoria & Albert Museum, and as part of Black History Month in the Clapham church where William Wilberforce campaigned for the abolition of the slave trade, gaining 4-star reviews and sell-out performances. The play was developed with historical support from slave trade expert Steve Martin, script development with Young Vic Theatre, and financial support from Arts Council England.
"An absolute scorcher...overwhelmingly compelling” ***** 5 STARS - London Theatre1
Watch the trailer here: http://youtu.be/HnRXUKyuRqA
Performances on 19 and 20 April at Stoke Damerel Church, Plymouth
Full list of regional venues available at www.burntouttheatre.co.uk
