Slave – A Question of Freedom (Salford)

Feelgood Theatre Productions show Slave – A Question Of Freedom is not an easy evening’s entertainment.  However, it is well worth seeing.

The play is based on the true story of Mende Nazer, a Sudanese tribe girl, stolen from her village at the age of 12 and sold into slavery,initially in Khartoum and finally in London. Here, she at last escapes her bonds and ends up fighting for her right to remain in the UK  – as she dare not be sent back to the Sudan for fear of reprisals from the powerful people who owned her.

Mende’s life is not pleasant. After being taken from her village she is raped by her captors and then beaten by the woman she works for.Even in London she is oppressed and it is only when she stays with friends of her owner that she comes to realise that she can do something about her life.

The role of Mende is played with enormous depth by Lashana Lynch. Her sensitive portrayal explores how Mende changes from a child to a determined woman. She is ably supported by a fine group of seven actors who between them take every other role and perform vocally, reminding us of her home throughout.

Caroline Clegg as Producer, Director and Co-Adaptor (along with Kevin Fegan) has created a show that is thoughtful, thought-provoking and ultimately inspiring.

The fact that slavery still exists today is unsettling; hopefully this play will raise awareness of this barbaric trade so that stories like Mende’s can become history.

– Helen Jones