Amistad Kata-Kata

Amistad Kata-Kata is more than a play-it is a vital piece of Sierra Leone's cultural heritage and a testament to the unbreakable spirit of resistance. Charlie Haffner's powerful dramatization brings to life the true story of Sengbe Pieh (Joseph Cinqué) and his fellow captives, who in 1839 revolted aboard the slave ship Amistad, fought for their freedom in a historic legal battle, and ultimately triumphed. When Haffner first staged this play in the 1980s, many Sierra Leoneans met the story with disbelief-how could such an extraordinary act of defiance have been forgotten? Yet through gripping performances and stirring storytelling, Amistad Kata-Kata reignited national pride, transforming Sengbe Pieh into a legendary symbol of courage.

Today, this script stands as one of the few surviving records of Sierra Leone's rich theatrical tradition-a tradition at risk of being lost. It is a story that demands to be read, performed, and passed down through generations. As you hold this book, remember: you are now a guardian of this legacy. Share it, celebrate it, and let it inspire resilience, unity, and the relentless pursuit of justice. The story of the Amistad mutiny must never fade-for it belongs not just to Sierra Leone, but to the world.

-Matthew J. Christensen, Editor, Staging the Amistad: Three Sierra Leonean Plays About the Author Founder of the 40-year-old 'Freetong Players', a celebrated performance troupe, and former chair of the Sierra Leonean National Monuments and Relics Commission, Charlie Haffner is a revered playwright, historian, and traditional communicator. Renowned for using drama and storytelling to educate citizens and drive Sierra Leone's post-war reconciliation, his influential works include the epic historical drama 'A Nation's Journey' and the seminal 'Amistad Katakata, ' a powerful dramatization of Sengbe Pieh's 1839 slave rebellion that predated Hollywood's Amistad. A cultural titan, Haffner has showcased Sierra Leone's heritage globally, inspiring artists, educators, and communities. His legacy, marked by a 73rd birthday and FPI's 40th anniversary in 2025, is captured in the acclaimed documentary Sing, 'Freetown!'-a testament to his mission to preserve tradition and leave lasting footprints.