The first instalment of Eton’s Radio Play season has dropped with the hard-hitting 846, a performance of a series of monologues written in response to the death of George Floyd, and released to mark the anniversary of his death. Directed, recorded, performed and edited entirely by pupils, we were given the exclusive opportunity to adapt to the current circumstances and create something that we all felt was monumental for the school environment special.
Writers from various backgrounds were invited by acclaimed playwright Roy Williams to respond to the ongoing global uproar about police brutality and systemic racism. Of these, director Moussa Samb in Year 13 chose four pieces that he felt had the most creative and thought-provoking responses for pupils to perform as a radio play.
Recorded in December, in the sound booths on the converted Farrer Theatre stage, this truly was a labour of love. It was recorded under strict COVID measures, with the January-March delaying production for over 3 months. Cast member Zain Ahmed remarked that “I believe fully that 846 was one of the most meaningful things I’ve done at Eton. The process was just incredible, and we really made the most of our opportunity to make a real change and promote a clear and necessary narrative.”
I believe fully that 846 was one of the most meaningful things I’ve done at Eton
Performer Zain Ahmed, Year 12
