'Rockets and Blue Lights' (18-28 June 2025)
"They used to have slave codes and now they have equality guidelines...."
"They used to have slave codes and now they have equality guidelines...."
"They used to have slave codes and now they have equality guidelines...."
'Rockets and Blue Lights' connects two eras through the lens of JMW Turner's evocative painting ‘The Slave Ship’. In 2006, we follow Lou, an actor whose current role forces her to confront the brutal history of slavery and in parallel, we delve into the story of Thomas, a black sailor navigating his newfound freedom in the 19th century.
'Rockets and Blue Lights' connects two eras through the lens of JMW Turner's evocative painting ‘The Slave Ship’. In 2006, we follow Lou, an actor whose current role forces her to confront the brutal history of slavery and in parallel, we delve into the story of Thomas, a black sailor navigating his newfound freedom in the 19th century. The play explores the power of storytelling, the ownership of history, and the lasting scars of this dark chapter in history.
To be performed (using the Nick Hern edition of the script) at the Tower Theatre, Stoke Newington. Evenings at 7.30pm: Wednesday 18 – Saturday 21 June and Tuesday 24 – Saturday 28 June. Matinées at 3pm: Saturdays 21 and 28 June.
Tell me what you see....
"They used to have slave codes and now they have equality guidelines...."
"They used to have slave codes and now they have equality guidelines...."
A contemplation of a beautiful, yet grotesque painting, thus begins this sweeping tale of interlocking timelines, exploring identity, heritage, and the haunting legacy of slavery.
It’s 2007, the bicentenary of the abolition of slavery. Hollywood ‘A Lister’, Lou, is back in
England starring in a film about the transatlantic slave trade, feat
A contemplation of a beautiful, yet grotesque painting, thus begins this sweeping tale of interlocking timelines, exploring identity, heritage, and the haunting legacy of slavery.
It’s 2007, the bicentenary of the abolition of slavery. Hollywood ‘A Lister’, Lou, is back in
England starring in a film about the transatlantic slave trade, featuring Turner’s painting, The
Slave Ship. With each re-write of the script, her part is diminished, the focus shifting from the
events depicted in the painting to Turner himself….. In 1840, sailor Thomas yearns for that one last voyage…but at what personal cost?
Q&A with Winsome Pinnock 21 June 2025
"They used to have slave codes and now they have equality guidelines...."
Q&A with Winsome Pinnock 21 June 2025
'Rockets and Blue Lights' is a celebration of intergenerational strength, courage and resilience
and rescuing stories from historical erasure. Its empowering message of hope will resonate with
all audiences.
There will be a Q&A with 'Rocket and Blue Lights's award-winning author Winsome Pinnock on Sat 21 June 2025, immediately after the 3pm
'Rockets and Blue Lights' is a celebration of intergenerational strength, courage and resilience
and rescuing stories from historical erasure. Its empowering message of hope will resonate with
all audiences.
There will be a Q&A with 'Rocket and Blue Lights's award-winning author Winsome Pinnock on Sat 21 June 2025, immediately after the 3pm matinee performance! It will be exclusive to the audience of this performance only....and WILL BE SOLD OUT! Book early!