Based on true historical events, The Meaning of Zong tells a powerful story that feels particularly relevant right now. Two hundred years ago, 132 Africans were thrown overboard the slave ship Zong.
Reading the reports of the massacre, Olaudah Equiano works with anti-slavery campaigner Granville Sharp to make what happened more widely known and contributed to the events which would lead to the abolition movement in the UK.
With a very strong start, Giles Terera’s captivating play manages to grip you right from the first scene. It is undoubtedly well-written and, filled with strong one-line quotes, The Meaning of Zong makes you reflect on history but also our present. For instance, there are several references to how Bristol was built and how the city benefitted from slavery.
The Meaning of Zong also makes you think about who we are and the role that our past, our history, plays in this. A bit like Dr Semmelweis, another recent show at the Bristol Old Vic, what I love about plays based on true facts is that they deepen and expand your knowledge on a subject, as well as embedding it in my memory much better than reading a book would do.
Despite the serious topic, there is some humour and lighter moments intertwined throughout. There are also some famous faces that you will probably recognise such as Paul Higgins (Line of Duty).
The astounding music is a key part of The Meaning of Zong and, for instance, it ends the same way it starts - with some wonderfully uplifting Djembe which will make you feel energised. But there is much more than the impressive drumming when it comes to music in this play. It is one of the most interactive plays I have been to see in recent times, often making you feel involved and part of it.
Commissioned by Bristol Old Vic and the National Theatre, The Meaning of Zong was presented in a staged reading in 2018. The pandemic saw the planned 2020 production reimagined as a radio play, aired on Radio 3, but it is now on stage and is another triumph by the Bristol Old Vic that must be seen.
