The Meaning of Zong at Liverpool Playhouse
Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
Sweeping into Liverpool Playhouse this May, The Meaning of Zong is a bold, poetic and moving new play based on real-life historical events. Described by The Guardian as a “masterful meditation on the legacy of slavery”, The Meaning of Zong tells the harrowing true story of a slave ship, Zong that set sail from Liverpool, and then went on to change the world.
A bold, poetic and moving new play based on real-life historical events.
Two hundred years ago, 132 Africans were held captive on the British slave ship, Zong before they were thrown overboard into the Caribbean sea and murdered. When the reports of the massacre came to the attention of Olaudah Equiano, he joined forces with the anti-slavery campaigner Granville Sharp to publicly condemn the actions. The Meaning of Zong chronicles this brutal event and the associated court cases which energised the abolition movement in the UK.
The Meaning of Zong is written by Giles Terera, an acclaimed actor, musician and filmmaker who starred as Aaron Burr in the original West End production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton – The Musical. His shining performance in the show won him the 2018 Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical. The Meaning of Zong is performed by an outstanding cast and the ensemble are joined on stage by Composer and Musical Director Sidiki Dembele.
Celebrating the power of the human spirit in the face of adversity, The Meaning of Zong tells the story of one man’s belief in the value of humanity. Celebrating the power of action, both individually and collectively, in driving positive change, writer Giles explains, “The play deals with a difficult part of our history but it’s about positive change and how that positive change comes about.”
Don’t miss this triumphant, inspiring and urgent performance.
Garnering five-star reviews and huge acclaim from critics and audiences alike, The Meaning of Zong comes to Liverpool for its only North West dates – don’t miss this triumphant, inspiring and urgent performance.
