Breaking the Silence brings abolitionist-era theatre to Glasgow

Breaking the Silence will be staged at Govanhill Parish Church on August 5 and 6 as part of the Govanhill International Festival.

Breaking the Silence (Image: Supplied)

Written and directed by historian Holly Maples, the production uses original letters, speeches and eyewitness accounts to tell the story of the grassroots campaign that challenged the transatlantic slave trade.

The play highlights the contributions of figures including Olaudah Equiano, one of Britain's most influential Black abolitionists, alongside William Dickson and Joseph Knight, whose landmark legal case in 1778 helped end personal slavery in Scotland.

Rather than focusing on parliamentary debate, the production shines a light on the role played by ordinary people, communities and formerly enslaved individuals whose activism helped drive political change.

Govanhill Parish Church will be transformed into an 18th-century meeting place, immersing audiences in the atmosphere of the abolition movement.

The cast includes Ben Scheck, Kwaku Ankomah, Maya Manuel, Adam Pardy, Holly Maples and Stuart Curlett.

Although the production has previously toured community venues and schools in Liverpool, Bristol and Cambridgeshire, this marks its first performance in Scotland.

New material has also been created specifically for the Scottish premiere, exploring the country's connections to both slavery and abolition.

Breaking the Silence (Image: Supplied)

The production team is currently crowdfunding to help cover performer fees, travel, costumes and production costs.

More than £5,000 has already been raised with support from trade unions including EIS Scotland, UCU Scotland and Unite Glasgow Charity Sector Branch, alongside donations from community organisations and individuals.

Following its Glasgow premiere, the company hopes to take the production to other Scottish communities with historic links to slavery and abolition.

Stuart Curlett, producer and performer, said: "Breaking the Silence invites audiences to step into one of the most remarkable grassroots campaigns in British history.

"It's a story of ordinary people organising together to challenge injustice, and one that still speaks powerfully to conversations about racism, democracy and collective action today."