Frederick Douglass’s 1845 Belfast visit reimagined through live music and spoken word.
Set during Frederick Douglass’s 1845 visit to Belfast, this live music and spoken word production draws on the abolitionist’s speeches and writings to explore his connection to the city. The performance weaves together contemporary artistic responses from musicians, poets, and young people in Belfast and New York City, reflecting on Douglass’s time in Ireland and its historical and cultural resonances.
The work is created and directed by Kwame Daniels. Musical compositions are by Kaidi Tatham, Winnie Ama, Leo Miyagee, and Hannah Peel, with arrangements and music supervision by Kaidi Tatham and choral arrangements by Jennifer John. Musical direction is by Si Francis. Text and spoken word contributions come from Nandi Jola and Colin Salmon, alongside school pupils from Belfast and New York City.
The production is produced and presented by Irish Arts Center and Solab in association with the Lyric Theatre, Belfast. It was commissioned by Belfast City Council via Belfast 2024 and Belfast Stories, and is presented at The JL Greene Theatre at Irish Arts Center from June 3 through June 21, 2026.