The performance group TROIKA tackles Africa's progress from slavery to emancipation in its upcoming show.

'Work In Progress II: H.I.S.T.O.R.Y.' is a "riveting theatrical performance celebrating the historical journey of Africa", according to TROIKA creative director Nishanthi Bailey.

Cast members were similarly enthusiastic, telling The Royal Gazette the production had given them a new appreciation for African history.

"To learn the information for yourself, and when you learn a little you want to learn more it's a chain reaction," said Kioshi Burgess. "When we know what our ancestors went through, we wouldn't put what they worked hard for in jeopardy."

Teionnea Burgess said she'd participated in several discussions on slavery where people had argued blacks need to 'get over it'. She said the upcoming production highlighted why she felt it important to remember the past.

"I don't think that we are holding onto anything, I think we are actually recognising what our forefathers have done for us," she said.

"To also be proud of who we are and to be thankful for what has been given to us, because we are clearly taking advantage of what's been given to us. And it is crucial that we recognise and be able to help someone else."

Cast members were asked to do a bit of research to prepare for their parts.

Said Ashley Riley: "We had to dig up the information so for me to find out stuff that I really didn't know about, such as how some of the slaves were raped, lynchings and losing family members.

"It was crazy. I just didn't realise what people went through so that we can have the freedoms that we enjoy today."

Added Altonio Roberts: "For me the content is really deep, so we are learning and teaching at the same time."

Charann Woolridge agreed: "I knew about the slavery part, but I didn't know that there were kings and queens. Every time you hear about Africa you hear about the poverty. You don't hear about the rich side of it and its proud history.

"There is an African girl at my school and after doing the research, I got where she was coming from. She spoke so eloquently and there was a presence about that was so beautiful and [I'd previously] thought, 'where did she get that from?'

"Now I understand. She was proud of where she comes from."

Naasson Swan said he thought audience members would also be educated.

"I didn't know a lot about Africa. I knew about the slavery, but when we had to research and also get into character, we had to dig deep within ourselves to get the inspiration.

"It has impacted me because it makes you think and be grateful for what we have today, because they went through a lot."

Sacha Dill said the research involved had made her "dig deep", something she felt would improve the production overall.

"It's like Charann said, I never knew that there were kings and queens in Africa and to think of going from kings and queens to being slaves owned by people...it is really touching and doing this whole performance it just makes you feel it."

The play runs August 26 through 28 at City Hall under the patronage of Culture and Social Rehabilitation Minister Neletha Butterfield. Curtain time is 8 p.m.

General admission is $30. Donor rates range from $50 to $150. For more information contact Troikabda@gmail.com or 537-7590. Tickets are available at 27th Century Boutique and Shine's House of Music & Entertainment. Tickets are also available at the City Hall Box Office, August 23 to 28 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.