This past week, we’ve been in the tech rehearsals for Liberation. This is a busy time for any show as all the disparate elements come together to create a cohesive play. It’s always fun working on the stage, but there’s something truly special about watching everything come together.
Building the world of post-War Manchester requires many complicated technical elements working harmoniously. Sunny Dolat’s splendid costumes do much work to root the characters in time and place and it’s a delight seeing the actors transform. Equally transformative are the beautiful wigs, which have been made with such care and thoughtfulness. There are many costume changes throughout the show and making sure ten actors are able to make those changes between scenes is logistically challenging, but so satisfying watching the team pull it off.
Equally crucial to bringing the Fifth Pan-African Congress to the Royal Exchange stage is the combination of light, video, sound and score. Part of the challenge of tech week is making time for all of these elements, both finalising their designs and finding and timing the moments in the play where they are used. Thankfully, we have a great team. Matt Haskin’s lighting is expertly illuminating, creating mood and style and a sense of space. Dick Straker’s video design also helps define the play’s setting and brings additional flourish. Alexandra Faye Braithwaite & Nick Lodge’s sound design both sets the scene and compliments character, working in unison with Ife Ogunjobi’s wonderful and eclectic score. It has been a delight watching these artist all work to create the world of Liberation.
As opening night quickly approaches, I’m overwhelmed by a feeling of pride for having worked on this show. It’s been such an honour to work on Ntombizodwa Nyoni’s brilliant play along with Monique Touko, this fantastic cast and all the other talented people that have made this show happen. I look forward to being able to share this with Manchester’s audiences.