Liberation Squares

Sabi and Ruqaya, two teenage best friends, are choreographing dance routines, beat-boxing, and hiding from bullies. When charismatic social media activist Xara challenges them to speak up about injustice, they find themselves under state surveillance and targeted by the anti-terrorist Prevent program. Sonali Bhattacharyya's play Liberation Squares is a riotous comedy about sisterhood, freedom of speech, and dissent in the face of institutionalized Islamophobia.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 72 pages
Publication date: 25 April 2024
Publisher: Nick Hern Books

Teenage best friends Sabi and Ruqaya spend their days choreographing dance routines, beat-boxing, and avoiding bullies. However, their peaceful existence is disrupted when charismatic social media activist Xara challenges them to speak up against injustice. Unbeknownst to them, their words and thoughts are being monitored by the anti-terrorist Prevent programme. The consequences are grave as they become targets of state surveillance and the relentless pursuit of the Prevent programme.

In this world, where what you say and even what you think can be viewed very differently depending on your identity, Sabi and Ruqaya find themselves caught in a web of fear and uncertainty. They must navigate the treacherous waters of political activism, risking everything to stand up for what they believe in. As they confront the oppressive forces of the state and the chilling effects of the Prevent programme, they discover the true strength of their friendship and the power of their voices.

Liberation Squares is a thought-provoking and timely play that explores the complexities of identity, freedom of speech, and the fight against oppression. Through the characters of Sabi and Ruqaya, Sonali Bhattacharyya sheds light on the experiences of young Muslims in Britain and the challenges they face in expressing their beliefs. The play is a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of those who stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, Liberation Squares is a must-see play that offers a fresh and compelling perspective on the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality. It is a testament to the power of theatre to inspire, educate, and challenge audiences to think critically about the world around them.

Weight: 88g
Dimension: 198 x 129 x 5 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839043352