A play about the life of Frederick Douglass, a former slave and leading abolitionist, has been staged at The Alma Tavern and Theatre in Bristol. Douglass visited Bristol in 1846 as part of a speaking tour of the UK, and his story is likely to resonate with local audiences.
The play’s co-writer, Dave Samuels, has a personal connection to Bristol’s history of social activism, as his father Norman led the Bristol Bus Boycott in 1963. His brother Vernon made the BBC documentary about the boycott for Black British Stories.
The Play’s Themes and Characters
The play explores the internal conflicts and tensions that can arise within progressive movements, including the abolitionist movement. Douglass himself faced many obstacles and challenges in his fight against slavery, and the play examines these struggles.
The character of Douglass is played by Benoit-Joyce, who delivers an impressive performance as the earnest and eloquent campaigner. The play also features a range of other characters, including fellow abolitionists William Lloyd Garrison and Henry Richardson, who are played by Richard Pulman.
The staging of the play is minimalist, which suits the intimate setting of The Alma Tavern Theatre. The interaction between the characters is often tense and emotional, particularly in scenes where they debate and disagree on the best course of action to take against slavery.
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Despite the play’s laudable subject matter, it has been criticized for its pacing and lack of momentum. The play’s 65-minute runtime feels plodding at times, with frequent intentional pauses that disrupt the flow of the action.
One of the most effective moments in the play comes when Douglass is chided for accepting a generous offer that allows him to return to his family in upstate New York. Benoit-Joyce’s performance conveys the internal turmoil and conflict that Douglass feels, and it is a powerful illustration of the difficult decisions that leaders must make.
The play features a strong central performance from Benoit-Joyce, and its themes and subject matter are undoubtedly important and thought-provoking. However, the play’s pacing and lack of momentum hold it back from being a truly effective and impactful piece of theatre.
Aidan Casey delivers a solid supporting performance as Reverend Bishop, but the material he has to work with is limited, and he is unable to improve the play beyond its overall flaws.
The Ocean Can Be a Bridge is currently playing at The Alma Tavern and Theatre, with performances scheduled for October 7-10 at 8pm, and an additional 2.30pm matinee show on Saturday. Tickets are available through tickettailor.com. Benjamin Akira Tallamy took photos of the play.