Liberation Squares

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Fifth Word and Nottingham Playhouse, in association with Brixton House, present

Liberation Squares

By Sonali Bhattacharyya

Directed by Milli Bhatia

Three teenage girls forge an unlikely friendship. They challenge each other with Tik Toks, beat-boxing, rap and dance routines… They just want to build their social media empire, or study astronomy, or become as good a rapper as Megan Thee Stallion. But they undergo a political awakening when they realise that what you say – even what you think – is viewed very differently depending who you are.

When they find themselves the target of the state surveillance ‘Prevent’ programme, they have to fight back. Friendships fracture and loyalties are tested as they pursue different avenues of resistance. In an era when dissent is being criminalised, what does it take to speak up?

This is a riotous, funny play told through the technicolour lens of three teenage girls. Inspired by graphic novels, hip hop, pop culture and real-world activists, Liberation Squares asks what it takes for young Muslim women today to be the heroes of their own stories.
Target audience age: 14yrs+
Contains sensitive subject matter including references to racism, Islamophobia, and racist and colonial violence.
Running time: Approx. 1hr 15 mins, no interval.
Audience Self Care Guide
“Sonali Bhattacharyya’s urgent new play, delivered in a lively and accessible production by director Milli Bhatia … a pressing topic, compellingly explored.”
The Stage
“Whilst there is a hard hitting narrative, there is a beautiful blend of humour … the work of Fifth Word is designed to provoke a strong reaction, and this play achieves precisely that”
Theatre and Tonic
“articulate and compelling … a thought-provoking experience that lingers long after the curtain falls”
The Beestonian
“full of youthful spirit, teenage angst, humour and with occasional beat boxing accompaniment … well worth catching.”
Morning Star
“Bhattacharyya ramps up the action and comedy nicely … the humanity of the girls leads the way”
Reviews Hub
“closed to a standing ovation … At a time when the right to protest is being quashed with freedom seemingly being stripped away little by little, this is a play which is even more relevant.”
A Young(ish) Perspective
“Milli Bhatia’s production is filled with passion and energy, drawing out compelling performances from all of the cast … a thought provoking and empowering piece of theatre”
Love London Love Culture
“a fantastic and important piece of theatre … sure to get people talking”
Elemental Theatre
“the story is raw, real and fascinating … leaves you questioning, laughing, and debating whether the world is as open and free as we think it to be”
Newark Advertiser
“creative and varied storytelling … funny, sweet and ultimately an empowering tale.”
Salterton Arts
“entertaining and humorous … I enjoyed every single minute”
Kev Castle Theatre Reviews
“kept the audience enthralled”
Left Lion

TOUR DATES

APRIL – JUNE 2024

12 April – 27 April 2024
NOTTINGHAM PLAYHOUSE
nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk
0115 941 9419

30 April 2024
THE NORTH WALL, OXFORD
thenorthwall.com
01865 319 450

2 – 11 May 2024
BRIXTON HOUSE, LONDON
brixtonhouse.co.uk
020 7582 7680

16 – 18 May 2024
BIRMINGHAM REP
birmingham-rep.co.uk
0121 236 4455

24 May 2024
NORTHERN STAGE, NEWCASTLE
northernstage.org.uk
0191 230  5151

28 – 29 May 2024
CRUCIBLE PLAYHOUSE, SHEFFIELD
sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
0114 249 6000

5 – 6 June 2024 
BELGRADE THEATRE, COVENTRY
belgrade.co.uk
024 7655 3055

8 June 2024 
OCTAGON THEATRE, BOLTON
octagonbolton.co.uk
01204 520661

5 – 6 June 2024 
BELGRADE THEATRE, COVENTRY
belgrade.co.uk

30 APRIL-1MAY 2024
THE NORTH WALL,
OXFORD  thenorthwall.com
01865 319 450 

2 – 11 May 2024
BRIXTON HOUSE,
LONDON
brixtonhouse.co uk
020 7582 7680

16-18 May 2024
BIRMINGHAM REP, 
birmingham-rep.co.uk 
0121 236 4455

24 – 25 May 2024
NORTHERN STAGE, NEWCASTLE
northernstage.co.uk
0191 230 5151 

27 May
KEY THEATRE, PETERBOROUGH
keytheatre-peterborough.com
01733 852992

June 2024

5-7 June 2024
BELGRADE THEATRE,
COVENTRY

belgrade.co.uk
024 7655 3055

8 June 2024
OCTAGON THEATRE, BOLTON
octagonbolton.co.uk

01204 520661

CAST

Vaneeka Dadhria – RUQAYA

Asha Hassan – SABI

Halema Hussain – XARA

PRODUCTION PHOTOS

Photography by Ali Wright

PRODUCTION TRAILER

ARTISTIC TEAM

Writer: Sonali Bhattacharyya

Director: Milli Bhatia

Set and Costume Designer: Tomás Palmer

Lighting Designer: Joshua Gadsby

Sound Designer: Elena Peña

Movement Director: Iskandar R. Sharazuddin

Dramaturgy: Afshan D’Souza-Lodhi

Creative Associate: Nic Wass

Casting: Arthur Carrington

Assistant Director: Jade Franks

Funded by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, with additional funding from the Unity Theatre Trust, Teale Charitable Trust, JN Derbyshire Trust and Royal Victoria Hall Foundation.

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