A Rock in Water

Synopsis

London, 1989. A vibrant street scene transforms into the sparse office of a radical newspaper. Claudia Jones sits at her desk, her fierce determination palpable as she types

In A Rock in Water, Winsome Pinnock brings to life the extraordinary journey of Claudia Jones, Trinidadian-born journalist, activist, and unsung hero of British Caribbean history. Set against the backdrop of post-war London, the play follows Claudia’s relentless fight for racial equality and her pivotal role in establishing the Notting Hill Carnival.

Pinnock’s masterful storytelling weaves together Claudia’s personal struggles with her public battles, creating a tapestry that reflects the broader immigrant experience in Britain. Through a series of powerful vignettes, we witness Claudia’s resilience in the face of political persecution, her journalistic passion, and her unwavering commitment to uplifting her community. The play’s title serves as a poignant metaphor for Claudia herself – an immovable force of change amidst the turbulent waters of racial discrimination and social injustice.