Home / Arts and Entertainment / Ghostly Reunion: Enslaved Past Meets Present
Ghostly Reunion: Enslaved Past Meets Present
10 Oct
Summary
- A Black British woman attempts to contact her enslaved ancestor.
- The play blends ghost story elements with historical reckoning.
- It critiques modern 'slave-plantation tourism' on historical sites.
Joy Nesbitt's new play at London's Royal Court theatre merges a ghost story with a profound exploration of enslaved people's undocumented history. The narrative shifts between contemporary America and the past, pinpointing the moment slavery was abolished.
The story centers on Talulah, a Black British woman whose family lineage leads her to a South Carolina plantation now operating as a holiday rental. She employs 'conjuring' to communicate with her ancestor, Ginnie, seeking to fill the void in her family's history.
Under Tatenda Shamiso's direction, the play deftly balances comedy, race drama, and gothic horror, drawing parallels with works like Marlon James's 'The Book of Night Women'. The set design, with its shadowy cabin and magical sparks, enhances the unsettling atmosphere, while lighting and sound design underscore the connection between past and present.
Patrick Vaill delivers a standout performance, portraying both a contemporary plantation owner and an ancestor. Ronkẹ Adékọluẹ́jọ is compelling as Ginnie, embodying quiet strength. Despite minor contrivances in plot, the play is praised for its innovation and emotional impact, leaving audiences with a visceral sense of history's persistent presence.
