The true story of a girl’s stolen childhood and her journey to freedom
This exceptional award-winning play tells Mende Nazer’s inspirational story. Set in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan and London (2000) the story of her joyful childhood, and subsequent enslavement is told by an outstanding ensemble of eight international actors 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 of modern slavery. Mende’s story transcends borders and her voice beckons us to consider the essence of freedom, and to offer thoughts on how to help the 49.6 million people around the world enslaved today.
“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
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
MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS: Best New Play “An intense triumphant piece of theatre brilliantly conceived and executed.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Clegg and Fegan have created a show that is thoughtful, thought-provoking and ultimately inspiring.” - WhatsOnStage⭐⭐⭐⭐
Experts By Experience, a Symposium
Thurs 7th Nov, 12 – 1.15pm then post show Q&A.
A thought provoking round-table discussion prior to the matinee exploring the issue of modern slavery and trafficking and the challenges faced in finding a place of safety.
With Dr Ruth Van Dyke from the Bakhita Centre for Research on Slavery Exploitation and Abuse and 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 are experts by their lived experience and will discuss their reality which resonate with Mende’s.
The Symposium is free to ticket holders or £5 per ticket for non-ticket holders.