The Meaning of Zong at Liverpool Playhouse

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
The Meaning of Zong
Image courtesy of Curtis Richards.

The Meaning of Zong at Liverpool Playhouse, City Centre 10 — 14 May 2022 Tickets from £10.00 — Book now

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.

The Meaning of Zong at Liverpool Playhouse, City Centre 10 — 14 May 2022 Tickets from £10.00 Book now

Performances

Date
Time
Session Features
10 May 2022
7:30pm — 9:55pm
12 May 2022
7:30pm — 9:55pm
13 May 2022
7:30pm — 9:55pm
14 May 2022
7:30pm — 9:55pm
11 May 2022
5:30pm — 7:55pm

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Where to go near The Meaning of Zong at Liverpool Playhouse

Liverpool
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Bacino

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Royal Court Theatre

The Royal Court Theatre stages mostly home-grown comedies, somewhat mannered and self-conscious reflections of an inward-looking city.

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Everyman Liverpool

Everyman Liverpool has luxury, comfort and an excellent programme – all that you need to fall in love with going to the cinema all over again. 

hotel 4
City Centre
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Shankly Hotel

A glamorous tribute to Bill Shankly in hotel form, where else will you find a place where luxury meets fun in such style?

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Bar or Pub
Brass Monkey

Brass Monkey is a quirky bar with swings serving delicious drinks, tucked away down a quiet street in the centre of Liverpool.

Kabannas Liverpool Bar
Liverpool
Hotel
Kabannas Liverpool

Kabannas Liverpool offers a choice of comfortable rooms, from private doubles to shared options to suit all needs and group sizes.

City Centre
Theatre
Epstein Theatre

The Epstein Theatre in Liverpool, formerly known as the Neptune Theatre, was renamed in honour of The Beatles’ Manager Brian Epstein.

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