logo
Liberation review — it's Conclave, but for pan-African politics

Liberation review — it's Conclave, but for pan-African politics

Times2 days ago
In 1945 the fifth Pan-African Congress was held in Manchester. It began 41 days after the end of the Second World War: a liberation for Europe, but not for countries still under colonial rule. In her new play at the Royal Exchange, part of Manchester International Festival, Ntombizodwa Nyoni has seized on a historical occasion that is rich with dramatic potential and plump with political meat to chew on. It marries the neatly local (the congress takes place at Chorlton Town Hall) and the truly global, as activists and politicians gather for what will become a turning point in the fight for freedom and independence.
Liberation is ambitious: there's a large cast, portraying real figures, as well as an enormous sweep of international struggle to condense into two hours' playing time. Sometimes the heavy work of making it all digestible is still too clearly visible — the first half can thud with exposition rather than sing with believable human interaction. Even in the more bantering, lively scenes set in a jazz bar (with delicious music by Ezra Collective's Ife Ogunjobi bubbling beneath) people tend to sound like mouthpieces for political tracts or conflicting positions.
• Read more theatre reviews, guides and interviews
But once the groundwork is laid, the second half takes off with the seeds of personal drama Nyoni has sown now sprouting. Individual ambition is pitted against commitment to the cause, as a new generation of leaders emerge: think Conclave but for pan-African politics.
At the heart of the play is Kwame Nkrumah (Eric Kofi Abrefa), an impatient, wildly confident young Ghanaian determined to prove himself to the congress leader George Padmore (Eamonn Walker). But the personal cost of activism is also revealed in multiple ways, with Nyoni particularly good at centring gratifyingly complex women who, whether they lead or serve the movement, always get overlooked by men.
Monique Touko's production, flowing over Paul Wills's honeycomb parquet floor, is blessed with excellent performances. Pamela Nomvete is particularly majestic as Amy Ashwood Garvey, bringing fierce charisma to anticolonial speeches and a comic lasciviousness that provides welcome laughs in this pretty talky play. Leonie Elliott intelligently inhabits the thorny contradictions of Alma La Badie, a social worker who deals out harsh truths but also yearns for black women in the movement to be softer, more supportive.
Not every character feels this rounded — there just isn't time. But if Liberation is only intermittently satisfying, it is always interesting, animating a chapter of British history that deserves to be better known.★★★★☆140minTo July 19, royalexchange.co.ukFollow @timesculture to read the latest reviews
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Clarkson's Farm beauty Harriet Cowan set to rake in huge six figure sum as she sets up business to capitalise on TV fame
Clarkson's Farm beauty Harriet Cowan set to rake in huge six figure sum as she sets up business to capitalise on TV fame

The Sun

time16 minutes ago

  • The Sun

Clarkson's Farm beauty Harriet Cowan set to rake in huge six figure sum as she sets up business to capitalise on TV fame

CLARKSON'S Farm beauty Harriet Cowan is set to rake in a huge six figure sum, as she sets up her own business to capitalise on her TV fame. The 24-year-old became an instant hit with viewers after she mucked in at Diddly Squat while Kaleb Cooper took some time away from the show. 5 5 5 Now, The Sun can exclusively reveal how Harriet is set for huge things in her future. Following her instant fame, she has set up a private company called Farmfluence, incorporated on July 1. Its nature of business is listed as "motion picture, video and television programme post-production activities" and Harriet is the sole director/shareholder. PR expert Lynn Carratt has speculated on just how she could earn in the future. Speaking to The Sun, she told us: 'Harriet has around 1.2 million followers across Instagram and TikTok. "If she is savvy she could rake in £500,000 in the next 12 months.' If that wasn't enough she has also signed to top talent agency Off Limits Entertainment, which has helped lots of reality stars including Love Island hunk Chris Hughes. It was previously revealed that she had already landed a brand deal with Country Moos ahead of the show - a sock company dedicated to cow-designs. Harriet has become very popular on Instagram, and has been teasing fans with snippets of her life away from Clarkson's Farm. Last month she sizzled in a bikini as she shared a sexy selfie on holiday, which no doubt boosted her follower count. Jeremy Clarkson breaks silence on sexy new farmhand Harriet as he confirms 'replaced' Kaleb Cooper's future on show Harriet also features in July's edition of Country Life magazine. In the publication she is seen posing in a summer dress and knee-high cowgirl boots as she perches on a tractor tyre. Harriet will be hoping to emulate Clarkson's Farm favourite Kaleb Cooper, currently on a leave of absence from the hit show. Accounts at Companies House reveal he has banked £2.4 million so far off the back of his starring role as Jeremy Clarkson 's sensible sidekick. Netting £1 million at Kaleb Cooper Productions, £1.4 million at Kaleb Cooper Construction, £76,000 at K Cooper Holdings and £28,000 at K Cooper Retail. Meanwhile, Jeremy recently clarified why Harriet was brought onto the farm as speculation mounted over Kaleb's future. He said: "What happened is this, he went away on his speaking tour, for a couple of months because he imagined that after four years, I'd be able to manage on my own. " I didn't - I made a complete mess of everything and had to bring in a young girl called Harriet. "Harriet is brilliant and looked after the fort until he got back. "That is it - that's the story!" Fans are desperate to know if Harriet will remain on the farm when Kaleb returns and, so far, she's keeping coy, telling them: "Hmm we will have to see." 5

In their Pilates era! From Love Island's Georgia Steel to Strictly's Kristina Rihanoff - a look at the stars who have quit reality TV to become fitness instructors
In their Pilates era! From Love Island's Georgia Steel to Strictly's Kristina Rihanoff - a look at the stars who have quit reality TV to become fitness instructors

Daily Mail​

time17 minutes ago

  • Daily Mail​

In their Pilates era! From Love Island's Georgia Steel to Strictly's Kristina Rihanoff - a look at the stars who have quit reality TV to become fitness instructors

Popular reality TV shows such as Love Island, Made In Chelsea and Big Brother have produced a host of celebrities. Many often go on to live glamorous showbiz lives as influencers, actors, TV stars or models - but others have embarked on a brand new path away from the limelight. Over the past few years, TV stars including Georgia Steel, Coco Lodge, Verity Bowditch and Kristina Rihanoff have retrained to become Pilates and yoga instructors. The exercise classes have been around for decades, but are starting to boom online and have become the hot girl workout of choice. The hashtag #pilates has more than six billion views on the platform, where devotees showcase their skills and toned bodies. Classes can exceed £35 a time and instructors advise people to practice three times a week, making it an expensive hobby popular with the middle classes. Georgia Steel Alongside the snaps, she wrote: 'Pinch me!!!! Georgia first shot to fame on Love Island in 2018 and later appeared on Celebs Go Dating, Ex on The Beach, Love Island Games, and Love Island All Stars. Now, the beauty - who also works as an influencer - has shared on Instagram she's officially a qualified Pilates instructor. Dressed in a stunning white summer dress, she posted a carousel of photos celebrating her new qualification alongside her parents and boyfriend Harry Clarke. Alongside the snaps, she wrote: 'Pinch me!!!! 'Can't quite believe I'm a qualified Pilates instructor. 'The most incredible day yesterday celebrating with family. Feel like the luckiest girl in the world right now.' Georgia hasn't yet shared her plans for teaching, or where her classes will be held. Coco Lodge Coco shot to fame on Love Island in 2020 as a Casa Amor bombshell, but quickly became a Pilates instructor. And back in January, Coco took her fitness career to a whole new level by opening up her own studio in Surrey. People can purchase three reformer classes for £60 at Poise Pilates, or a drop in class will cost £30, with expert instructors, 'tailoring your workout to your goals'. Coco often shares workout videos with her 185k Instagram followers, and even got her boyfriend Joel Corry involved recently. Claudia Fogarty Before announcing her pregnancy, Claudia shared with fans how she is swapping her reality TV roots for a new career in the fitness industry. Claudia has embarked on a new journey as a Kore Reformer Pilates instructor, having recently gained her fitness qualifications. Sharing several stunning snaps of herself in a fitted black activewear set while teaching a full class, Claudia wrote: 'In my Pilates girl era… I have started a Pilates page where I'm going to put all my reformer content on. 'I would love for you guys to give me a follow and come with me on my Pilates journey. 'I'll be sharing lots and happy to chat to anyone who wants to come to classes or book in with me for a 1:1. She concluded: 'So excited for this new chapter and to see where it takes me (love heart emoji)'. On her Instagram story, she reposted the announcement, writing: 'Just me finding a new path in life. Loving this new journey already. 'So much to look forward to and share with you all. I've got a feeling this year is going to be a good year (love heart emoji).' She also posted her class schedule, which includes sessions from early morning to late evening, urging followers to book quickly as 'spaces are filling up fast.' Following in the footsteps of her mother, Michelle, a fitness coach, Claudia is now making her own mark in the wellness space. Verity Bowditch She teaches in person classes twice a month in extraordinary locations around the world such as in London, Bali and Dubai Verity is best known for her role on Channel 4's Made In Chelsea, and in 2020 qualified as a Pilates teacher. It comes after she stepped back from her and Mikey Pearce's business Clean Kitchen after the plant-based restaurant added meat to their previously 100% vegan menu. Prior to going on the show and starting her business, Verity studied Biomedical science at Kings College, specialising in anatomy and physiology. Verity now has a Pilates app called Pilates with Verity which is used globally and includes classes for all levels and programs for specific goals. She teaches in person classes twice a month in extraordinary locations around the world such as in London, Bali and Dubai, and has a retreat in Ibiza in October and one in Bali in November. Kristina Rihanoff Since leaving Strictly Come Dancing in 2015, Kristina has been embracing a new career as a yoga teacher in Northampton. Kristina and her ex Ben Cohen started Soo Yoga Group together in June 2017 - four years after falling for each other when they partnered on the 11th series of the hit BBC show. The Russian-born dancer has 20 years of experience doing yoga after falling in love with it at a class in Seattle in 2001. Speaking to the Daily Mail in 2021, she said: 'We invested everything we've ever had, we went into business for very serious reasons, we'd never refer to ourselves as celebs, like, 'Oh I'm going to do some wine business or cheese business just on the side for fun'. 'It wasn't like that for us. I've got qualifications in about 10 different styles of yoga - post-natal, pregnancy, traditional... I didn't just think, "Oh I'm going to do yoga now"'. Ben and Kristina's relationship was the product of the BBC show's infamous curse when he left his then-wife Abby in 2013, before going onto date Kristina, before money troubles reportedly tore them apart. The former couple were left with crippling debts after they ploughed every penny they had into a yoga studio which plunged into crisis during the Covid pandemic. According to The Sun, the couple are now left with a crippling £1million debt. In a tortuously frank admission Cohen told the court: 'I get up every day and I fight not to lose everything - to lose my cars and my house and my relationship. I'm so overdrawn.' When questioned about the strains on his and Rihanoff's relationship, he said: 'We're still living together. We're in it financially. 'We're in business together so the problem is that we opened the business before Covid and we got the worst severities of it and in all honestly this is just another problem for me to deal with. 'I've got credit cards that are overdrawn. I'm overdrawn in both accounts. We have got a business debt because of Covid. It's just another problem.' MailOnline was given an insight into the struggles during an interview with the couple in May 2021. Companies House records showed that the Soo Yoga Group Ltd was £488,470 in the red in its last submitted set of accounts for the year ending on July 31, 2022. The company was facing being struck off and Cohen has since resigned as a director leaving Rihanoff as its sole director - while other companies linked to the couple were also in difficulties.

Lisa Nandy says she asked BBC why nobody was fired for airing Gaza documentary
Lisa Nandy says she asked BBC why nobody was fired for airing Gaza documentary

The Independent

time17 minutes ago

  • The Independent

Lisa Nandy says she asked BBC why nobody was fired for airing Gaza documentary

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has said she asked the BBC why nobody has been fired for airing a Gaza documentary which featured the son of a Hamas official. This comes ahead of a review looking into Gaza: How To Survive A Warzone, which is reportedly set to be published next week. The programme first aired in February until it was pulled by the broadcaster after it emerged that its 13-year old narrator is the son of a Hamas official. The review is being led by Peter Johnston, the director of editorial complaints and reviews which is independent of BBC News and reports directly to the director-general. It is expected to determine whether any editorial guidelines were broken, and whether any disciplinary action is needed. The BBC will also undertake a full audit of expenditure on the programme. Speaking to The Times, Ms Nandy described feeling 'exasperated' as she called for an 'adequate explanation from the BBC about what has happened'. 'I have not had that from the chair or director-general yet,' she said. She added: 'I have been very clear that people must be held accountable for the decisions that were taken. I have asked the question to the board (of the BBC). Why has nobody been fired? 'What I want is an explanation as to why not. If it is a sackable offence then obviously that should happen. 'But if the BBC, which is independent, considers that it is not, I think what all parliamentarians want to know is why.' The review led the corporation to delay and then pull entirely another documentary from the region, Gaza: Doctors under Attack, which has since been broadcast on Channel 4. Ms Nandy also added that she thinks the BBC has to 'get a grip' following the livestreamed Glastonbury performance from punk rap duo, Bob Vylan. The group have been dropped by a number of music events since the singer Bobby Vylan, whose real name is reportedly Pascal Robinson-Foster, 34, led crowds in chants of 'death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)' during their Saturday afternoon set at Glastonbury and which are now being investigated by police. 'The BBC leadership have got to get a grip on it,' Ms Nandy said. 'It makes me angry on behalf of the BBC staff and the whole creative industries in this country. 'Particularly the Jewish community, who deserved far better than what happened at the weekend. Action has to be forthcoming.' Bob Vylan, who are known for addressing political issues in their albums, including racism, masculinity and class, issued a statement on Tuesday claiming they were being 'targeted for speaking up'. The group have been vocal advocates for Palestinian rights and also led crowds in chants of 'Free Palestine' during their set. A BBC spokesperson said: 'The findings of the review will be published as soon as possible. 'As we have said previously, it is vital that this work is done as quickly as possible but it must also be thorough and follow a proper process.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store