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Bristol Old Vic: The Meaning of Zong

A play by Giles Terera

— ,Theatre
Giles Terera and Keira Lester kneeling on the floor on stage in The Meaning of Zong

Olivier Award-winner Giles Terera’s boldly inventive debut play celebrates the power of the human spirit against adversity, and the journey to understand our place in the world.

★★★★★ 'Profoundly moving. A masterful meditation on the legacy of slavery' The Guardian

Two hundred years ago, Olaudah Equiano read the harrowing reports of a massacre aboard the slave ship Zong, where 133 Africans were thrown overboard. Joining forces with anti-slavery campaigner Granville Sharp to publicly condemn these actions, he helped set in motion events which led to the abolition movement in the UK.

But Olaudah’s mission goes beyond the courtroom. Having bought his own freedom, he now faces a personal battle to rediscover his past and accept his true self.

Based on real life historical events, this highly acclaimed play is performed by an ensemble cast including writer and Olivier Award-winner Giles Terera (Hamilton) and co-directed by Tom Morris (Touching the Void, War Horse).

Tagged with: Theatre & dance

Running time: 2 hours and 25 minutes, including interval

Age guidance: 12+ 
Please note: This show contains distressing scenes, historical racial language, themes of slavery and violence and some strong language.

Post-show talk, Fri 21 Apr
Free to same-day ticket holders. Hosted by Bonnie Greer. With Giles Terera; Andrien Meyers (Deputy Alderman & Chairman of the EDI City of London Sub-Committee) and Claire Spencer (Barbican CEO).

Audio described performance
Sat 22 Apr, 7.45pm

Captioned performance
Sat 22 Apr, 2:30pm

Audience care document
We understand that some of the content featured in this show will be triggering to some audience members. Take a look at our audience care document for more information and to find support resources.

Presented by the Barbican

A Bristol Old Vic production. Supported by the Ronald Duncan Literary Foundation, The Mackintosh Foundation and donations toward The Peter O'Toole Prize.

Original production support from the Bristol Old Vic Law Circle: Christopher Sharp, Osborne Clarke, Reynolds Porter Chamberlain, Bevan Brittan, Burges Salmon, Clarke Willmott, St John’s Chambers, Kannan Siva.

Image by Curtis Richard.

Creative team

  • A play by Giles Terera  
  • Directed by Giles Terera and Tom Morris  
  • Samantha E. Adams   Dramatherapist and Artist
  • Jean Chan   Set and Costume Designer
  • Sidiki Dembele   Composer and Musical Director
  • Becky Gunstone   Costume Supervisor
  • Barret Hodgson   Video Associate
  • Zeynep Kepekli   Lighting Designer
  • Ingrid Mackinnon   Movement Director
  • Tom Morris   Co-Director
  • Tom Newell   Video Designer
  • Dave Price   Sound Designer/Co-Composer
  • Kate Waters   Fight Director
  • Jessica Campbell   Producer
  • Ruby Gilmour   Assistant Producer
  • David Harraway   Production Manager
  • Zachary Parsons   Producing Administrator
  • Lucy Topham   Company Stage Manager
  • Fiona Bardsley   Deputy Stage Manager
  • Zoe Gledhill   Assistant Stage Manager
  • Andy Humphreys   Production Carpenter
  • Katherine Mercer   Production Electrician
  • Imogen Clarke   Lighting Programmer
  • Cliff Thorne   Scenic Painter
  • Sophia Khan   Hair Consultant

Performers

  • Sidiki Dembele   On Stage Musician
  • Simon Holland-Roberts   Sir John Lee / Robert Stubbs / William Woodfall
  • Kezrena James   Riba
  • Remi King   Arthur Pigot/Kelsall
  • Kiera Lester   Ama/Gloria
  • Bethan Mary James   Joyi/Lord Mansfield
  • Rona Morison   Annie Greenwood/Elijah Brown
  • Ényì Okoronkwo   Ottobah Cugoano
  • Tristan Sturrock   Granville Sharp
  • Giles Terera   Olaudah Equiano

Reviews

  • ‘Profoundly moving. A masterful meditation on the legacy of slavery‘
    Guardian
  • ‘Sparkles with ingenuity‘
    The Stage
  • ‘Powerful. Eloquent. Spectacular production‘
    The Scotsman
  • ‘Transcendent, powerful, a story of our time‘
    Bristol24/7

Discover

Actor Giles Terera looks straight at the camera against a red background.

Giles Terera on the Zong massacre

‘It was shameful I didn’t know about it.’

In this article in The Guardian, Giles Terera reflects upon the horrifying chapter of history at the centre of The Meaning of Zong and the importance of making the story heard. 

Read now

Theatre

Location
The Barbican Theatre is located within the main Barbican building. Head to Level G and follow the signs to find your seating level. 

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.

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