Silver Shores

Silver Shores is set aboard a 19th century slave ship. It’s an enthralling play out hope, fear and the unknown. Written & directed by Tian Glasgow, the play features an up and coming cast including

Tyson Oba, Tapiwa Madovi, Edward Muruako and the much raved about Emmanuel Akintunde (Another Biafra) The story is told through the reflections of 4 slaves held captive aboard a ship awaiting to set sail on a voyage to a land unknown. While three of the slaves are pondering their fate, the 4th slave (played by Tyson Oba) comes aboard the ship under much different circumstances. He’s able to walk freely among the other slaves and is actually present on board to study the condition of slaves. Oba plays a young, Black British boy, who was born into slavery. He’s well-spoken, well-read and makes no apologies for it.

Through his observations & conversations with the other men, he comes to realise the meaning his own existence. The audience is drawn into the characters as they rehash colourful stories of the towns they were once a part of, the loved ones and families they hanker for, the possibility of death and the fear of what lies ahead. After such time the young observer (although mentally worlds apart from the other slaves) becomes conscious of the fact they are all bound by the same master - the only difference being he’s a slave unchained.

As the 3 captives begin to plan their escape strategy, they play on Oba’s guilt & naivety, eventually manipulating him enough to have him unchain them. But once physically set free and able to walk the boards of a ship they once laid in the planking position on (for no less than 18 consecutive days) it was clear they hadn’t a clue what to do with themselves. Should they jump ship? or reassume the position? It was too late...a slave mentality had already set in.

Even the once obstinate and natural leader of the 3 slaves (played by Tapiwa Modavi) who once empowered the other slaves and urged them to adopt a revolutionary mind-set had given in to the inevitable. Modavi gave a memorable and humorous performance. However for me the stand out performance of the night was most definitely Emmanual Akintunde - being the youngest slave he was un-cynical, wise beyond his years and kept the other two from killing one another (for the most part). He had a strong sense of hope, disheartened only by the thought of dishonour he believed his family back home now had of him, as well as the heart-breaking memory of being snatched from his young family whilst out working - how he missed them so. Akintunde brought to life all the emotions of a slave captive and it was amazing to see him come into his own.

A great production at the Tristan Bates theatre I'm sure it'll be back.