Theatre / Modern Slavery
Acclaimed play about modern slavery tells Mende Nazer’s remarkable story of survival
The multi-award-winning Slave: A Question of Freedom was first staged by Feelgood Theatre back in the summer of 2010. It was followed up with a private performance at The House of Lords in November of that year, where it quickly began to gain traction.
Based on Slave (Virago), the autobiography of rape and slavery survivor Mende Nazer, the play was written by Kevin Fegan, and adapted and directed by Caroline Clegg.
Performed by eight actor-musicians, it is written in the voice of Nazer, and brings her remarkable story to life – from her upbringing in the Nuba mountains of Sudan, to her subsequent enslavement and eventual freedom.
is needed now More than ever
Ebony Feare in ‘Slave: A Question Of Freedom’ (2010) – photo: Edward Garvey
“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,” Nazer reflects.
Amongst its many accolades, the play received the inaugural Anti-Slavery Human Trafficking Award (presented at 10 Downing Street).
Over a decade later, and with civil war and famine raging in Sudan, there is widespread concern about the vulnerability of the population to people smugglers.
Against this context, Feelgood have decided to restage their production. They are now touring in London, Manchester and Bristol’s Tobacco Factory Theatres – coinciding with Anti Slavery Day on October 18 – to raise awareness of the conflict, as well as the work the Mende Nazer Foundation has undertaken in the region to support victims of modern slavery.
The founder of the Human Trafficking Foundation and former MP, Anthony Steen, has spoken about the power that the play wields in amplifying these issues: “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,” he says.
Feelgood Theatre original production of ‘Slave: A Question Of Freedom’ (2010) – photo: Edward Garvey
“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.”
Original ensemble, ‘Slave: A Question Of Freedom’ (2010) – photo: Edward Garvey
The issues raised in the play will be further discussed at the Symposium: ‘Experts by Experience’, led by Dr Rubina Jasani from the Humanitarian and Conflict Response Unit at The University of Manchester alongside women from Women Asylum Seekers Together.
Together, they will talk about the challenges faced by those vulnerable to modern slavery, particularly by women in negotiating a place of safety through the asylum system.
Slave: A Question of Freedom (age recommendation 9+) is at Tobacco Factory Theatres on October 16-19 at 7pm, with additional 2pm matinee shows on Thursday and Saturday. Tickets are available at www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com.
An Anti-Slavery Symposium: ‘Experts by Experience’ will take place on Thursday at 12pm; entry £5. Follow @feelgoodtheatreproductions for more information.
All photos: Feelgood Theatre (main photo – Mende Nazer, July 2024)
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