Published in 2018 by Nick Hern Books, Leave Taking is a play written by British playwright Winsome Pinnock. It was first performed in 1987 and has since become a significant work in contemporary British theater. The play has also been featured in anthologies and collections. It examines themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the struggles faced by immigrants in a new country.
This play unfolds within the confines of a small London flat inhabited by a Jamaican immigrant family. The story revolves around Enid—the determined yet concerned mother who desires a brighter future for her daughters. Viv, the eldest daughter, is ambitious and strives for success in her career. While Del, the rebellious younger daughter, grapples with her sense of identity and belonging. As the family members interact with each other and their community, their personal aspirations and cultural backgrounds come into conflict. The entrance of Broderick—a young man who becomes enamored with Del—further complicates the dynamics within the family. The play delves into the challenges faced by these characters as they negotiate cultural differences, generational gaps, and their desires.
Critics have often noted the play's relevance in addressing broader societal issues such as cultural assimilation. The Stage reviewed, “There are few plays in British theatre that speak so directly, resonantly and truthfully to the experience of the black woman. Winsome Pinnock's first full-length play does this with such profound eloquence…Leave Taking is timely in its politics, yet timeless in its themes.”
