"Liberation Squares" is a vibrantly humorous and explosively entertaining new play that delves into the lives of three British Muslim schoolgirls - Xara, Ruqaya, and Sabi. Writer Sonali Bhattacharyya and director Milli Bhatia have crafted an authentic and messy portrait of teen friendship that captures the incredible imagination, creativity, and rebellious spirit of this age.
Teenage Dreams and a Political Awakening
What begins as harmless fun creating TikTok videos, beat-boxing, rap battles, and trading clever disses soon ignites into a fierce political awakening for these unlikely trio. Their aspirations range from building a social media empire to studying astronomy or becoming a renowned rapper like Megan Thee Stallion. However, their lives take a dramatic turn as they experience the harsh realities of Islamophobia, racism, and state surveillance through the draconian "Prevent" program.  
As the outspoken girls find themselves unjustly targeted simply for being young Muslim women, they rebel in refreshingly bold and creative ways - from guerrilla film screenings in the park to rapid-fire rap battles executed with youthful defiance and joy.   A Vibrant Blend of Youth Culture and Biting Social Commentary
  Bhattacharyya fearlessly tackles heavy themes like racism, Islamophobia, and the repression of free speech, yet does so with a vibrant youthful spirit that rings powerfully true. Her script is a kaleidoscopic celebration of youth culture's creativity, blending current memes, social media slang, and pop culture references with biting cultural commentary.
The versatile young cast, including Vaneeka Dadhria as Ruqaya, Asha Hassan as Sabi, and Halema Hussain as Xara, with other parts played by members of the company, shines brightly. They deftly code-switch between their characters' everyday teen banter and their onstage performance personas as rap stars and activists. Their dynamic portrayals remind us that the leaders of tomorrow's revolutions may start out just wanting to make dope music videos with their friends.
A Stunning, Immersive Experience  
Director Milli Bhatia stages the frequently meta-theatrical action with a vivid visual flair reminiscent of graphic novels and anime. Imaginative choreography melds hip-hop and dance styles, while multimedia scenery seamlessly merges the virtual world with the concrete world of resistance.
"Liberation Squares" is an electrifying piece of revolutionary theatre at its most joyfully defiant. In an era when dissent is increasingly criminalised, Bhattacharyya's play powerfully asks what it truly takes to speak up. This radically uplifting show will inspire young audiences to find their voice and older audiences to remember what it's like to be that fearlessly yourself.   Do not miss this kaleidoscopic celebration of youth activism and rebellion!
 UK Tour Dates (April - June 2024)
- 12th - 27th April 2024 / Nottingham Playhouse / nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk - 30th April & 1st May 2024 / The North Wall, Oxford / thenorthwall.com - 2nd - 11th May 2024 / Brixton House, London / brixtonhouse.co.uk   - 16th - 18th May 2024 / Birmingham Rep / birmingham-rep.co.uk - 24th & 25th May 2024 / Northern Stage, Newcastle upon Tyne / northernstage.co.uk - 28th & 29th May 2024 / Sheffield Theatres / sheffieldtheatres.co.uk - 5th - 7th June 2024 / Belgrade Theatre, Coventry / belgrade.co.uk - 8th June 2024 / Octagon Theatre, Bolton / octagonbolton.co.uk
The play is presented by Fifth Word and Nottingham Playhouse, in association with Brixton House, and is part of an exciting UK tour across various venues from April to June 2024.     Susan Vickers