Amistad Kata-Kata

By Charlie Haffner

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 Cinqu ) 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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0FL937WYD
• ISBN13: 9798292621829
• Release Date: July 2025
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 92 Pages
• Weight: 0.23 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 5.3" x 8.0"