The Meaning Of Zong by Giles Terrera - ★★★★★

A story about survival, remembering and responding.

Welcomed by the sound of the drum, and then led seamlessly into a Waterstones Bookstore, The Meaning of Zong is a powerful play that explores the Zong massacre in a 2 hour masterpiece filled with music, dance and incredible poetry.

The year is 1781. 46, 40, 36 and 10 is the number of enslaved children, women and men who were held captive on the British slave ship Zong and thrown overboard into the Caribbean sea, murdered on the basis of ‘necessity’. Giles Terra (writer, director and actor), tells the story of Zong, originally named ‘Zorg’ meaning “care” - in a way that highlights the brutality of slavery, but sheds light on the uprising of the abolitionist movement till date. 

The story follows Olaudah Equiano, better known as Gustavus Vassa, a free man who stumbled upon an article that made him shudder. It told the story of the British slave ship Zong and the atrocities that took place across the period of travelling. Alongside Granville Sharp; Olaudah decides to pursue a deeper understanding of what happened, searching far and wide whilst struggling to remember his birth name. Terera handles the storytelling in a dramatised but informative manner, such that every moment mattered, with every word spoken with intention.

The performances were infused with music that complimented the script and brought out the emotions from the actors whilst telling a story of its own. This was carefully presented by Sidiki Dembele, who was attentive and responsive throughout, electrifying the stage with various sounds.

Though the trial of the Zong happened years after the actual massacre, Terera manages to balance the past and the present without confusing the audience, and instead stretches their understanding. Likewise, Terera bridges a 242 year old story with events that have taken place in our present time. As the play comes to a close, the cast challenges us, the audience, to be ones who make a difference, to change our attitude when it comes to responding to challenges; to rise above and keep fighting.

One of the most extraordinary aspects of this play was the efforts of all cast members. Each actor played an astounding role in sharing the story of Zong with most of the cast playing 2-3 different roles. Giles Terera, Rona Morison, Remi King, Kiera Lester just to mention a few, were some of the incredible actors that graced the stage. As stated already, Sidiki Dembele did a phenomenal job interacting with the crowd, but also controlling the pace of music and using it to add effect. 

The Barbican stage was incredibly fitting to tell the story of Zong, the graphics, the lighting and the overall use of the stage was considered and impactful. All aspects of the set were relevant and along with the visuals on screen, they all merged well together seamlessly, with credits to Jean Chan.

Perhaps, the most beautiful aspect of the play was the harmony. Although the stage was often busy - with many things occurring at once, this did not detract from the evolution of the play, but rather contributed to the rising suspense. The play explored many topics, none of which were frisked through, both Tom Morris (co-director) and Giles Terera gave each theme from race to gender inequality a time to shine, and a place of its own. The Meaning of Zong is a story about how we came into existence, it's about survival, remembering and responding.

Showing at Barbican Centre until 23 April.