We follow the stories of three young women and hear their  side of the story in an age where freedom of speech is slowly being chipped away 

Commissioned by Fifth Word comes Liberation Squares, a new play from award-winning playwright Sonali Bhattacharya, showcased at Brixton House. Directed by two-time Oliver Award Nominee Milli Bhatia, we follow the stories of three young women and hear their  side of the story in an age where freedom of speech is slowly being chipped away.  

The staging was simple; carpeted with a block in the middle and in each corner a  microphone, keyboard, projector (like the ones you had at school) and a phone set up for  would be live streaming. Whiteboards hid behind carpeted boards and used at certain  points to help tell the story. Lighting was also simple; overhead lighting used when the  characters broke the fourth wall and spoke to the audience and stage lights used to put us  back to the past events. The use of space and lighting was a creative way to move the  audience into past scenarios and into different characters played by other cast members  without the need for much scenery movement.  

The opening set the tone of the play-an energetic and comical recount of a series of events  which came to a head. We are introduced to three schoolgirls, each trying to find their way  in the world. Sabi and Ruqaya are best friends trying to keep their head down and out of  sight of bullies; Xara is a social media activist trying to encourage them to speak up for  themselves. Things take a more serious turn, and they find themselves under state  surveillance, aware of what the implications could mean for their future.  

The cast really brought to life the characters through humour with comical mannerisms. The  beatboxing from one of the cast members really added another layer to the makeup of the  play and at times broke up the tension of addressing Islamophobia. The cast are talented,  funny and bring energetic performances to relatable moments.  

Overall Liberation Squares is a comedic spin on censorship and when reality of what is  happening comes to light, it pulls you in. At a time when the right to protest is being  quashed with freedom seemingly being stripped away little by little, this is a play which is  even more relevant. With political driven Islamophobia happening up and down the  country, the play makes you take a step back and question the governments narrative when seemingly innocent, albeit naive actions can have disastrous implications. The play  closed to a standing ovation. Running until mid May, it’s one to watch.