On 17th April 2007, St. Andrew's Church in Soham hosted an evening in honour of Olaudah Equiano or Gustavus Vassa 'The African'. Olaudah Equiano is frequently listed as both one of the most important 'Black Britons' and one of the most significant players in the abolition of the slave trade in England. His connection with Soham is that he married a spinster of the town, Susannah Cullen in St. Andrew's Church.

The original wedding took place on 7th April 1792 and was re-enacted in its entirety during the event. Twenty students from Soham Village College theatre group Stage Chance staged the carefully researched performance in period costume as part of the Soham Action 4 Youth (SA4Y), Lottery Heritage Funded project 'Soham at the Time of the Abolition'.

Re-enactment of the wedding of Olaudah Equiano & Susannah Cullen
St. Andrew's Church, Soham on 17th April 2007

Cast List

Written & Directed by Daniel Bell
Costumes supplied by Lynn Quelch, County Wardrobe, Cambridge

The event also comprised of several speakers, including Arthur Torrington, a leading expert on Equiano and founder of The Equiano Society who was asked to unveil a plaque along with Soham Vicar The Reverend Tim Alban Jones MBE dedicated to the marriage of 'Gustavus Vassa and Susannah Cullen', on the south wall of St. Andrew's Church.

The audience many of whom had made the journey to Soham especially were treated to 'Friends African Dancing & Drummers' and a heart rending solo performance of 'Amazing Grace' by local Gospel singer Shean Williams, as well as an array of Afro-Caribbean foods and delicacies. Author Angelina Osborne also launched her beautiful book about the life of Joanna Vassa, Equiano's only surviving daughter. As those who attended will confirm, this really was a night to be remembered.

The Momentum Arts Team would like to thank our partners for their invaluable support!

Arts Council of England
Cambridge City Council
Cambridge Ethnic Community Forum
Menter
University of Cambridge
Cambridgeshire County Council


Special Thanks To: