A forgotten chapter in African liberation is being revived on stage in Manchester, where the pivotal 1945 Pan-African Congress took place. Playwright Ntombizodwa Nyoni’s Liberation, premiering at Manchester International Festival, humanizes the activists behind the congress, exploring their personal struggles and lasting impact. Prompted by global events like George Floyd’s murder, Nyoni frames the play as a reflection on survival, legacy, and the toll of activism on spirituality and physical health. Directed by Monique Touko, Liberation promises to immerse the audience in history while connecting past anticolonial battles to modern-day systemic racism. With a vibrant fusion of music, dance, and storytelling, the play reclaims Manchester’s overlooked role in global Black resistance and invites audiences to continue the conversation.
The Guardian
