Enough of Him (Modern Plays)

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When enough is used with an adjective and a noun, two positions are possible but the meaning changes. Written by Glasgow-based writer May Sumbwanyambe, this compelling domestic drama is a thrilling exploration of power and its attendant tensions: between those who are enslaved and those who are free, servants and masters, and husbands and wives. Even in the modern world, it’s very difficult to truly be a ‘good’ person when buying clothes that might have been made by modern slave labour, or when taking actions that harm the environment. Sumbwanyambe previously wrote The Trial of Joseph Knight, a drama focussing on the trial and its case, which was broadcast as a radio play on BBC Radio 4 in 2018. enough means 'as much as necessary'. It can be used with an adjective, an adverb, a verb or a noun. It can also act as a pronoun. With adjectives and adverbs

All in all, Enough of Him is a work of searing theatrical imagination and undeniable humanism. It marks a high point in Scottish historical playwriting. It’s testament to the work of the National Theatre of Scotland that these stories are staged. Scots undoubtedly need to confront our history. Few mediums are as engaging – or as impactful – as this vital production. In a first-time collaboration between National Theatre of Scotland and Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Enough of Him will be at Pitlochry Festival Theatre from 20 October to 29 October then touring to CatStrand, Castle Douglas; Platform, Glasgow; Lanternhouse, Cumbernauld; The Brunton, Musselburgh and Perth Theatre from the 1 to 19 November 2022. Enough of Him is about the life of Joseph Knight, who was bought as a slave by Scottish land and sugar plantation owner John Wedderburn in the 18th century.Sporting a dual Scotland and Jamaica tone, sound design by Pippa Murphy and composition by John Pfumojena sees a joining of steel drums beneath Highland lyric, Burns’ Parting Glass song calling ahead to Knight’s inevitable departure. Lighting projected onto the portrait makes itself a character in the piece, transforming to red when Wedderburn is at his angriest and most dangerous, the trees blurring and changing to blues and yellows when Knight recalls memories of Jamaica or when boundaries blur.

It’s refreshing to have these uncomfortable truths thrust at us. It’s not an easy watch, but Enough of Him compels in its staging of the life of Joseph Knight – the man who established that Scots law did not recognise slavery, as he planned for a life outside of the stately home of his once Master, John Wedderburn. In a first-time collaboration between National Theatre of Scotland and Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Enough of Him will open at Pitlochry Festival Theatre, in their new studio space, from 20 October to 29 October before touring to CatStrand, Castle Douglas; Platform, Glasgow; Lanternhouse, Cumbernauld; The Brunton, Musselburgh and Perth Theatre from the 1 to 19 November 2022. I remember watching a film called Amazing Grace about William Wilberforce about the passing of the 1833 Slavery Abolition Act, which abolished slavery in most of the British Empire. This victory affirmed that Scots Law could not uphold the institution of slavery in Scotland, a ruling that would make a profound contribution to paving the way for the abolition of slavery in Scotland /Britain. Discover wonderful wildlife tours to book and experience in Scotland, including bird watching safaris, whale watching, farm tours and much more!

Joseph’s journey to freedom wasn’t easy, as initially the Justice of the Peace Court in Perth sided with John Wedderburn. What I know is at that point in history, it was so complicated that there was lots of people so furious about that – it wasn’t a triumphant moment. It was almost like a defeat. As Knight, Omar Austin exudes the power Knight would have had to possess to earn his place at Wedderburn’s table and the humility to stay there. It’s a delicate balancing act but Austin is pitch-perfect.

Throughout Enough of Him by Glasgow-based writer May Sumbwanyambe and directed by Orla O’Loughlin, we witness a thrilling crucible of power games that tell the true historical tale of once enslaved man Joseph Knight whose lawsuit against plantation owner Sir John Wedderburn resulted in the denunciation of slavery throughout Scotland. The quartet is complete with an assured Catriona Faint as the downtrodden maid Annie Thompson. Her rendition of “The Parting Glass” is haunting, becoming a central motif in the drama.Written economically in spare, fragile scenes, Enough of Him refuses to be celebratory, even though the historical Knight set a legal precedent in 1778 by persuading a court that slavery was not permissible under Scots law. Rather, it is fractious and troubled, a game of chess that cannot be won.