Bringing History to Light: The Women of Llanrumney

Powerful Stories, Poignant Lighting

The Sherman Theatre’s recent production, The Women of Llanrumney, a searing new play written by Azuka Oforka, captivated audiences with its exploration of an untold chapter in Welsh history. The play delves into the experiences of women during slavery in 18th-century colonial Jamaica. Lighting designer Andy Pike and his team played a vital role in bringing this powerful story to life, creating a visually stunning backdrop for the characters’ journeys.

Pike’s lighting design, like the show itself, aimed to be both nuanced and impactful. He achieved this by utilising a selection of industry-standard fixtures. The ever-reliable Robe 350s provided strong washes and focused spotlights, while the ETC ColorSource V fresnels offered exceptional colour control. This combination allowed his team to illuminate the grandeur of the 18th-century Jamaican setting, as well as the subtle emotional shifts of the characters.

Set on the Llanrumney plantation, named after its founder Sir Henry Morgan (of Captain Morgan rum fame) and located in Jamaica, the play explores the complex dynamics between women on the plantation. The story centers around those who benefited from the slave trade, those who were brutalised by it, and those who fought for freedom. Azuka Oforka, a graduate of Sherman Theatre’s Unheard Voices writer development programme, penned this powerful work as her full-length debut play. The world premiere was directed by Sherman Theatre Associate Artist Patricia Logue.

The Women of Llanrumney is a moving testament to resilience and the fight for freedom. The lighting design served to transport audiences back in time and immerse them in the complexities of the characters’ experiences.