"Usually when people are sad, they don't do anything. They just cry over their condition. But when they get angry, they bring about a change." - Malcolm X (1965)

In the summer of 1855 Celia a slave was arrested for murder, by the winter of that year she had been convicted and hung. The victim Robert Newsom was her 'legal' owner, she claimed extenuating circumstances. Her trial and execution captured the hearts and imaginations of people on both sides of the Atlantic. It was discussed in Parliament and converted many to the cause for abolition. By 1860 the practice of Slavery finally came to an end.

The bicentenary of the abolition of African slavery in 2007 has turned the spotlight back on the uncomfortable shared history of Britain and the Caribbean. Over the years enslaved Africans have often been depicted as childlike domestics and labourers, placidly accepting their captivity with songs and smiles as they danced the night away at the end of the master’s garden. Aunt Matilda in the kitchen, baking and minding the children while Ol’ faithful, her male counterpart of various names, watched over master’s property and kept his boots shiny.

The only thing that spoilt the picture was the occasional disruptive slave who was a runaway or a thief. Sometimes the film-makers of the past let us know by their skin tone, the good Negros from the bad, but always without exception they all spoke only in the same broken English dialect designed to emphasise their basic lack of intellect and education. More recently we have seen slaves in periwigs and silks, slaves tall and dignified in the courtroom but in all cases they have been portrayed as reliant on a white man for their hopes and dreams and most importantly, their freedom.

Whether escaping a tyrannical master, receiving justice or reward, even abolition itself, the story tellers have always been keen to show us the benevolent face of the white liberal coming to the rescue without which the African would be helpless.

Well it is said that history is written by the victors but the truth is always there to be reclaimed by the diligent. Using the letters and personal accounts of the slaves in the United States and the Caribbean, together with news articles and documents from the slave owners themselves, the story of "Celia" has pieced together to form a more accurate and comprehensive depiction of the times, exploring the complexities and human level of this dark period in history. Our story is not your usual slave story because it is their story. It reveals an illusive and incredibly resourceful community, committed to family and freedom. For 400 years enslaved Africans existed in spite of their conditions behind enemy lines, a formidable and relentless force of resistance. When freedom finally came it was as a result of the struggle of each successive generation against injustice. It was not their captors benevolence but the will of each individual for life and liberty that finally broke the system of brutal exploitation.

Malcolm Frederick was approached to direct 'Ceila' whilst he was working on 'Splendid Mummer' a play about life of Ira Aldridge (the first black actor to perform on the British stage) at the Old Vic in July 2007, and which featured an all star cast including Shango Baku as Aldridge, along with Rudolph Walker and Donna Croll.

Malcolm is also well known as an actor for his extensive roles in British Television including leading characters in the seminal eighties television comedies 'No Problem' and 'Get Up Stand Up' which he also co-wrote and produced. His film credits include 'The Fruit Machine' and 'Burning an Illusion'. He has been a director for the influential and ground breaking Black Theatre Cooperative and has worked with Nitro and Talawa Theatre Company as well as the BBC and C4.

He has produced and written for television and has directed over twenty productions for the stage. Malcolm is also a writer and his first book Kamal Goes to Trinidad was published by Frances Lincolm Publishing this year.

Wil Johnson is currently appearing in the BBC Televison series 'Waking the Dead' and is also well know for his roles in 'Baby Father' and 'Clocking Off'. Wil's theatre credits include 'Redundant' at the Royal Court, 'As You Like It' at Shakespeare’s Globe and 'Fuente Ovejuna' at the National Theatre.

Victor has recently played the part of Pedro in 'The Harder They Come' at the Barbican and the Birmingham Hippodrome.

His recent television credits include 'Holby City', 'Doctors', 'Alistair McGowan’s Big Impression' and 'Judge John Deed'.

Glenna Forster-Jones' film, televsion and theatre career spans over four decades. She has worked along side legendary actors such as Marcello Mastroianni in 'Leo the Last' and Donald Sutherland in 'Joanna'. On television Glenna's credits include the Channel 4 comedy 'Desmonds' and BBC 'Casualty'.

Shango has recently worked with Malcolm Frederick playing Ira Aldridge in 'Splendid Mummer' at the Old Vic.

Shango's film credits include Newton Aduaka's 'Rage' whilst on stage 'Playboy of the West Indies' at the Nottingham Playhouse.

Jotham's previous theatre credits include 'Horatio' in the Trevor Nunn performance of 'Hamlet' at the Old Vic.

On film Jotham has played 'Jacques de Boyes' in Kenneth Branagh's 'As You Like It' and 'Prince Abakendi' for Mike Figgis 'The Browning Version'.

Michelle's theatre credits include 'Amelia' in 'Dirty Butterfly' at the Young Vic.

In film Michelle played 'Tolu' in 'Scarred' for director Anthony Sokunbi-Walton, whilst on the small screen Michelle has been cast in 'Holby Blue' for BBC Television

Diana's recent theatre credits include 'The Icarus Girl' at the Arcola Theatre.

On the small screen Diana appeared in series eleven of BBC Televison's 'Silent Witness' whilst on film Diana was cast in the critically acclaimed, award winning debut by director Greg Hall 'The Plague'.

Danny is probably best known from the cult BBC Television series 'Red Dwarf'. His film credits include Guy Ritchie's 'Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels' and 'Blade II' whilst on the stage credits include 'Carmen Jones' (The Old Vic) and as an original cast member of 'Starlight Express' (Apollo Victoria).