How does a revolution begin and who keeps it going?
In 1945 the Fifth Pan-African Congress took place here in Manchester, it was an iconic event with a seismic, global impact on Africa’s future and freedom.
Now Ntombizodwa Nyoni’spowerful new play Liberation brings the incredible people of the Congress into sharp focus 80 years after the event.
Director Monique Touko has assembled an extraordinary cast for this Royal Exchange Theatre world premiere alongside an impressive creative team including Mercury Prize-winning Ezra Collective’s Ife Ogunjobi, and Movement Director Kloé Dean.
This production runs from 27 June – 26 July as part of Manchester International Festival 2025.
Inspired by true events in Black British history,the play traces the private lives of the activists who fought to liberate Africa.
The exceptional ensemble cast includes: Leonie Elliott as Jamaican activist Alma la Badie, whilst Eric Kofi Abrefa takes on the role of Kwame Nkrumah, the man who would go on to be the first President of Ghana.
LISTINGS
ROYAL EXCHANGE THEATRE
St Ann’s Square, Manchester, M2 7DH
Box Office: 0161 833 9833 / royalexchange.co.uk
Commissioned by the Royal Exchange Theatre and produced withFactory International
LIBERATION
By Ntombizodwa Nyoni
Director: Monique Touko
Tickets from £10
27 June – 26 July 2025
