The Trial of Jemmy Button - A verbatim play based on old documents and letters. Written and directed by Luis Gayol.

It was the year 1830 when a young aboriginal from Tierra del Fuego was abducted and brought to England. As he was exchanged for a large pearl button, he was given the name of Jemmy Button. He was spared from being exhibited in a human zoo, as was the custom of the time; instead, he was sent to school to be indoctrinated in all aspects of English culture and the Christian religion. After some time, he was put on a boat and returned to his land " the famous voyage of the Beagle, with Charles Darwin on board " in the hope that he would spread civilization among the members of his community.

The Trial of Jemmy Button explores these issues as part of the cycle of plays created for Theatre for Identity.Theatre for Identity (T4I) is one of the many artistic branches to have emerged from the human rights organization Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo based in Argentina. The groups mission is to search for the babies appropriated " stolen " by the last Argentinian dictatorship and to help them to recover their identities.

In a nutshell, that is what T4I does: explores the topic of identity.

The idea for this piece was born around a table in Buenos Aires as a way to answer the question: How is it possible to create a play that touches on the subject of national identities colliding with each other? What are the consequences, and what forms of dominance and resistance could emerge from that collision?

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Show me the charities

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now