Enough of Him | National Theatre of Scotland

Overview

When freedom is not given, it must be taken…

Based on a true story, Enough of Him explores the life of Joseph Knight, an African man enslaved by plantation owner Sir John Wedderburn and brought to Scotland to serve in his Perthshire mansion.

Highly favoured by Wedderburn and yet still enslaved, Knight balances on the knife edge between obligation and a soul-deep yearning for freedom. He forges a bond with Annie, a young Scottish servant working in the household, and the two of them fall in love.

But the walls of Ballindean do not keep secrets — their affair unsettles Lady Wedderburn, whose bitter loneliness is only deepened by the close bond her husband has with Knight. Joseph will endure bondage no longer. What happens when Joseph’s dreams clash with those of the man who owns him? What becomes of us all when past brutalities bleed into our present realities?

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, husbands and wives.

Following a critically acclaimed and award-winning Scottish tour in 2022, Enough of Him returns to stages across the country in Autumn 2024. Touring to the Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh; Dundee Rep Theatre; Lemon Tree, Aberdeen; Chichester Festival Theatre and Belgrade Theatre, Coventry with full tour dates to be announced.

Written by May Sumbwanyambe

Directed by Orla O'Loughlin

A National Theatre of Scotland and Pitlochry Festival Theatre co-production.

5 Stars
a work of searing theatrical imagination and undeniable humanism”
The Telegraph

4 Stars
A meticulous and heartfelt production
The Scotsman

4 Stars
An uncomfortable and essential history lesson
The Stage

4 Stars
Gripping and unsettling
The Times

4 Stars
Your breath will catch in this proud moment for Scottish theatre
Edinburgh Guide

4 Stars
a must-see
Broadway World

Creative Team

Name
May Sumbwanyambe
Role
Writer
Name
Orla O'Loughlin
Role
Director
Name
Role
Associate Director
Name
Role
Set and Costume Designer
Name
Role
Lighting Designer
Name
Role
Composer
Name
Pippa Murphy
Role
Sound Designer
Name
Role
Movement and Intimacy Director
Name
Anna Meireles
Role
Movement and Intimacy Director

Cast

Name
Omar Austin
Role
Joseph Knight

In addition to the individuals listed above, there are many others who play a vital role in getting the work on stage. We list the full production teams in the programme or freesheet that we produce to accompany the show.