A SCORCHING new play about slavery in the 19th century will be performed in Bridport this weekend.

Muscovado will arrive at Bridport Arts Centre on Saturday (9) - featuring a heady mix of piercing choral music, extreme racial tension and a heady mix of sexual intrigue. The production provides an unflinching portrayal of life on a Barbados sugar plantation in 1808, accompanied by an original music score and atmospheric soundscape - performed live by the cast.

Having already enjoyed a successful sold-out run in London during Black History Month, BurnOut Theatre's original production by up and coming Nigerian playwright Matilda Ibini, Muscovado will come to Bridport as part of a UK tour.

BurnOut Theatre commissioned Muscovado following the discovery of archives from Barbados of artistic director Clemmie Reynolds' family. The play was developed last year with support from Arts Council England and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Clemmie is the youngest recipient of the BBC Writesroom 10 Award and the Soho Theatre's writer in residence.

Clemmie said: "It will be the first time BurnOut Theatre has performed outside of our south east home - and we want to spread this story.

"The heritage of Brits of Caribbean descent is so rarely explored in theatre of film, and when it is, the story is usually told from the point of view of the white men. Ours is a story of the women of this time and place.

"It's an important and timely story to tell, particularly now, when new examples of modern slavery and being unearthed every week."

Muscovado was shortlisted for the 2014 Alfred Fagon Award and was described as 'necessary and daring'.

The performance will start at 7.30pm. For more information, please call the Bridport Arts Centre on 01308 424204.

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