After Independence

Let us not dwell on the past . . . I’m an old man, Charles. Old enough to know the past is only good for one thing - destroying the future.


Guy and Kathleen grow their crops, raise their daughter, and pay their taxes. But Africa is changing, country by country. White farmers in Zimbabwe must now answer for history’s crimes. When Charles arrives with a smile and a purchase order, there’s more than just land at stake. With violence threatening to erupt, he will do whatever it takes to restore their farm to the ’native’ population.

As truths are revealed and moralities questioned, are things ever more than simply black and white?

Inspired by real events in Zimbabwe, May Sumbwanyambe’s debut play is an unflinching examination of land ownership, dispossession and justice in a post-colonial world.

After Independence received its world premiere at the Arcola Theatre, London, on 4 May 2016, in a production by Papatango Theatre Company.

May Sumbwanyambe is a playwright from Leeds. His play Back Home Contemplation was shortlisted for the 2012 Alfred Fagon Award and was a runner up in 2012 Papatango New Writing Festival. In 2011 May was shortlisted for both the Alfred Fagon and the BBC’S Alfred Bradley Awards. Currently writing under commission to Hull Truck Theatre, his shorter work includes With Fumes of Human Roast (Hampstead Theatre - Start Night) and Feeding the Birds (The Old Vic 24 Hour Plays). May is also a tutor on both the West Yorkshire Playhouse’s annual new writing programmes.