Slave: A Question of Freedom national tour.
The Lowry Salford, Bristol Tobacco Factory, Shakespeare North Playhouse and Riverside Studios London.
Caroline Clegg, the artistic director of Feelgood Theatre said:
“In reviving and re-imagining Slave we hope to once again share the beauty of the Nuba culture and most importantly, raise awareness of the current conflict in Sudan and the global crime of modern slavery. Mende has asked me to use her voice to help others and my trip with her to the Nuba Mountains only served to redouble my efforts to do just that. This is more than just a play to those of us working on the production.”
The founder of the Human Trafficking Foundation and former MP, Anthony Steen said:
“At a time when myths and misconceptions about human trafficking and modern slavery persist, it is vital to raise awareness of the realities of these dreadful crimes. Theatre productions are able to do just that by engaging an audience, many of whom would not have otherwise been aware of the extent of this issue in Britain and encouraging them to take action. We would like to congratulate Caroline Clegg and Feelgood Theatre in continuing their invaluable production, especially considering how greatly awareness of modern slavery still is 12 years after this play received its initial award.”
Mende Nazer, said:
“My experience and my story is a personal story, but it touches so many people including our children, because I was a child when I was enslaved. I think my story will help other people who are still going through a similar situation and even worse with modern slavery. My story will raise awareness and alert so many people who still don't know what's going on in Sudan. I think it's about helping other people to see such critical situation and help those enduring that difficult time in their life.”
Meet the Cast
Meet the Cast & Team:
Mende Yolanda Ovide
Ba (Mende's father) Chris Jack
Kheko (Mende's friend) Ebony Feare
Damien Lewis (Journalist) Joseph Jordan
Babo (Mende's brother) Oluwalonimi Owoyemi 'Nimi'
Umi (Mende's Mum) Teddy Oyediran
Kujur (spirit guide) Mohand Abdalrahem
Rahab (Mende's master in Khartoum) Sara Faraj
Juliana / Understudy (Mende) Darlene Sanangurai (Acting ASM)
Writer: Kevin Fegan, co-adapted by Kevin Fegan and Caroline Clegg from the autobiography Slave (Virago) by Mende Nazer and Damien Lewis.
Director: Caroline Clegg
Creative Team:
Designer: (2024) Lara Booth based on the 2010 original design by Nigel Hook
Composer: Carol Donaldson
Musical Director: Dan Willis
Fight Director: Kevin McCurdy
Intimacy co-ordinator: Tolu Oshodi
Photographer: Roger Moore
Production Consultants: Mohamed Bahari, Gaafar Ali & Mariam Shaw (Sudanese / Nuba culture & current affairs, accent & costume)
Thanks to Sponsors & Funders
Arts Council England, the Granada Foundation and The Stage Door Foundation.
Image Credit: Roger Moore Photography
Powerful, heart-rending true-life story of survival in the face of unthinkable adversity … touchingly realised
The Stage, 4 Stars
It is a powerful personal story and a clarion call on behalf of all victims of slavery and trafficking today
Spy in the Stalls, 4 Stars
All of the actors give fantastic performances
I Love MCR
Mende's remarkable story is one of resilience and courage
Quays Life
The play's integrity and timeliness staged by Feelgood had the audience rapt. Like Mende, we can and should make a difference by standing up and being counted.
***** MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS: Best New Play
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