Incidents in the Life of an Anglican Slave
Incidents is inspired by a letter written in 1723 from an anonymous enslaved Virginian to the archbishop of London, asking the archbishop, and vicariously King George, to “releese us out of this cruell bondegg”. It is thought to be the earliest written plea for freedom from slavery in the British Empire.
The extraordinary 1723 letter is housed at Lambeth Palace Library. Three centuries on, the play brings the enslaved Virginian to life, to address, finally, the likely intended recipient of the letter: the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Written and performed by London-based writer and researcher, Desirée Baptiste, this play has been performed at Chester Cathedral, St John’s College Cambridge, Lambeth Palace Library, the Edinburgh Fringe, All Souls, Oxford, and other venues in the UK and overseas, including in Barbados.
Q & A with Desiree following the performance.
Presented in partnership with Ripon Cathedral.
Age Guide 14+
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