Tales of warning
FREEMAN brings together a mix of high-energy physical theatre, gospel singing, shadow puppets and powerful drama for a gripping show that will be stopping in both Nottingham and Leicester this year.
The Strictly Arts production was inspired by the first American to plead insanity as his defence and examines the link between mental health and systemic racism.
The stage show also tells the stories of David Oluwale, Sarah Reed, Sandra Bland, Daniel M’naghten and Michael Bailey to highlight why movements such as Black Lives Matter exist.
“As an individual who has been a victim of racial profiling, wrongfully accused by the justice system, with friends and family who have suffered from poor mental health, and a member of the black community myself, the statistics and information I’ve researched are both relevant and frightening,” said artistic director of Strictly Arts Corey Campbell.
“To think that William Freeman’s story from as far back as the 1800s can still be an example to us today shows that we are still in dangerous waters.”
Strictly Arts will make its debut at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with Freeman today before beginning its UK tour across the country.
■ The production will be playing at Nottingham Playhouse on September 13 and 14 and at Leicester’s The Curve on October 8 and 9. Tickets are available from strictlyarts. co.uk for £14.