Apphia Campbell – WOKE

Edinburgh Fringe 2021 season (Pleasance at EICC) now complete. Available for touring in 2022.

From the creator of the hit show Black Is the Color of My Voice comes a new story about the 20th-century African-American experience. Against a powerful soundtrack of original music and traditional gospel and blues sung live, two women 42 years apart become involved in the struggle for civil rights.

One, a notorious Black Panther Assata Shakur; the other, a present-day university student enrolling as the Ferguson riots begin. Both challenge the American justice system, become criminalized through political activism, and ultimately are faced with the same choice: stay and fight, or flee?

WOKE won the coveted Scotsman Fringe First Award for its premiere season, and was highly commended by the judges of the Amnesty Freedom of Expression Award.

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‘Campbell is the most powerful voice of this year’s fringe.’
★★★★ The Scotsman

‘Inspiring! A fast, exciting and engaging play that ended with most of the audience standing and applauding.’
★★★★★ British Theatre Guide

‘Both roles are brilliantly played by Apphia herself.’
★★★★★ BritishTheatre.com

‘Switches deftly, making each character distinct and fascinating.’
★★★★★ Edinburgh Festivals Magazine

‘Campbell is a formidable performer.’
★★★★ The List