Informed by extensive research and interviews, this new play reunites writer Sonali Bhattacharyya with director Milli Bhatia (Chasing Hares, Young Vic). Liberation Squares is a comedy about sisterhood, freedom of speech, and dissent in the face of institutionalised Islamophobia.
When two British Muslim teenagers are introduced to charismatic social media activist Xara, who challenges them to speak up, the three girls undergo a political awakening when they realise what you say, and even what you think, is viewed very differently depending on who you are. Friendships fracture and loyalties are tested as the three pursue different avenues of resistance to scrutiny and surveillance. Inspired by graphic novels, hip hop, pop culture and real-world youth activists, Liberation Squares asks audiences to consider what it takes for young Muslim women today to be the heroes of their own stories.
Sabi and Ruqaya have been best friends since their mothers first met at Baby Rhyme Time at the library. They now spend their time making TikToks, choreographing dance routines, beat-boxing, rapping and hiding from bullies. Everything changes when the charismatic and provocative social media activist Xara enters their lives. They just want to build their social media empire, or study astronomy, or refine their rap skills until they’re as good as Megan Thee Stallion, but they find themselves having to protest against state surveillance instead.
Liberation Squares was informed a series of workshops with young Muslim women from the East Midlands who fed into the early development of the play, helping inform the characters and narrative, and by extensive research and interviews with people impacted by the state surveillance Prevent programme.
Sonali Bhattacharyya and Milli Bhatia’s previous collaboration, Chasing Hares at the Young Vic, won the Sonia Friedman Production Award and Theatre Uncut Political Playwriting Award. Milli is also known for the Olivier Award nominated seven methods of killing kylie jenner.
Writer Sonali Bhattacharyya said, “I wanted to write a play about the incredible imagination, inquisitiveness and creativity teenagers have – this is what forges the messy bond between Xara, Ruqaya, and Sabi. Right now, we’re witnessing rapidly normalised Islamophobia and racism, including in government policies like the Prevent surveillance programme, and I wanted to explore how this inhibits young people’s confidence, freedom of expression, and even their futures. I wanted to tell this story through the points of view of young people themselves, with all of the joyful spirit of rebellion that entails!”
Laura Ford, Artistic Director at Fifth Word said, “Fifth Word are delighted to have commissioned Sonali to develop this important and powerful play that explores what it might mean for Muslim girls to become the heroines of their own stories; and what it costs them when they attempt to protest injustice. During the development process, we’ve had the opportunity to work with a group of young Muslim women whose contributions have been vital in shaping the further development of the script. The play puts young female agency centre stage and will make for a thoroughly entertaining yet thought-provoking piece of theatre.”
