The Milton Keynes Theatre has been dubbed ‘Britain’s most popular theatre’ due to its high booking rate and is the largest theatre in the UK outside of London. On Friday 29th June 2007, The Milton Keynes Theatre will showcase ‘A Slave’s Story’ – an emotionally charged and thought provoking play written by Yaw Asiyama. It will also be the first time a Black British production will be staged there.
With 2007 marking the Bicentennial Anniversary of the Abolition of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, the staging of ‘A Slave’s Story’ in this popular theatre is especially poignant.

‘A Slave’s Story’ is an intimate and spiritual expression that follows eight generations of one family whose tale is passionately passed from mother to daughter beginning in the African Tribe lands in 1781 until it reaches modern metropolitan Britain in 2007. ‘A Slave Story’ is ultimately a tale of redemption, as this family seeks freedom through courage, stubborn memory and a fierce loyalty to each other.

The all-woman cast comprises of over thirteen community actors including six local children, a gospel choir, twenty professional dancers and drummers and a band of seven musicians, directed by the renowned musician Peter Daley.

Roy Nevitt, Chair of Milton Keynes Theatre & Gallery Company says “with Yah Asiyama’s work, we have an opportunity to bring the black experience into the mainstream. His Play will stimulate thought, increase knowledge and understanding of our country’s past; move its audiences with its humanity and, with its positive and life enhancing messages mediated through genuine artistic expression, fresh and on-going debate about race relations and contribution to social cohesion.”

Yaw Asiyama, of Ghanaian heritage, established his theatre production company ‘The Collective Arts’ in 1991 to provide access to the professional stage for semi-professional and amateur actors. The resounding success of A Slave’s Story at local venues caught the attention of Milton Keynes Theatre Directors and Yaw was given a-one-night-only slot at this prestigious venue.
Tickets for this ground breaking production have been reasonably priced to give everyone a chance to share in the experience. For ticket information contact the Milton Keynes Theatre box office on 0870 060 6652 or visit www.miltonkeynestheatre.com.