The Long Song

The Long Song is a compelling three-part miniseries that aired on PBS Masterpiece in 2018. Produced by Heyday Television, the show is an adaptation of Andrea Levy’s award-winning novel of the same name. The Palm winner, director Mahalia Belo, furious subtlety brings to life a story that resonates far beyond its specific historical context. Scriptwriter Sarah Williams delivers strong and well-articulated dialogues capable of magnifying the emotional depth of the characters.

Set in the 1800s, at a time when the institution of slavery was on a turning point, the plot primarily unfolds on a sugar plantation in Jamaica. The focus of the story is July, a resilient, smart, and crafty enslaved woman who narrates her life experiences. Tamara Lawrance, whose performance is nothing short of superb, plays this fascinating character. July’s life begins under the oppressive system of slavery; her journey from an enslaved person to being the mother of a gentleman's child, and later a free woman, is depicted with great depth and humanity.

The Long Song also presents the audience with a vivid depiction of plantation life under a system that permitted, encouraged even, the abuse and exploitation of enslaved people. Although the drama is not excessively graphic, it does not skimp on depicting the harsh realities of the brutality and inhumanity of the period. The setting is painted with utmost realism, encompassing both the natural beauty of the Caribbean landscapes and the ugliness of the societal structure that existed.

The series is equally diligent in its depiction of the complex relationships within the plantation and humanizes the characters instead of portraying them as mere cliches. The relationship between July and her mistress Caroline, played by Hayley Atwell, is especially intriguing. Caroline, who is a cruel woman out of touch with reality, is also portrayed as a victim of systemic oppression. The relationship dynamics are fleshed out by the performances of Atwell and Lawrance, who demonstrate a mutual dependency and a blend of love, hate, fear, and resentment.

One of the core pillars of the show is its intense character development. July transitions from the rebellious, outspoken girl to a stoic woman who uses her wit and charm to survive. This character development is not only limited to July but extends to other characters as they navigate the ever-evolving nature of their world. Characters like Robert Howarth, played by Jack Lowden, who starts off as an enlightened man with abolitionist sentiments, are also given considerable depth.

The shift in power dynamics during the narrative is another remarkable aspect of The Long Song. As new laws influence society, the lives of both the oppressors and the oppressed are significantly affected. The society reflects these changes through shifting social orders, economics, and personal relationships. In this changing landscape, the once-suppressed voices find new strength in an uncertain, yet profoundly human, struggle for freedom and self-determination.

Accompanying the powerful storytelling of The Long Song is the show's remarkable attention to detail in its production design. The lavishness versus the shabbiness, the sound design complemented by music, helps in creating a unique, captivating ambiance that augments the overall narrative experience.

One of the unique aspects of The Long Song is its use of a narratorial style, which gives the series its tonality and often adds a dash of humor, making the series a blend of tragedy and comedy. With July as the narrator, viewers get insight into her perspective, giving a unique voice to tales that have been historically suppressed.

The Long Song is a potent period drama that manages to entwine a personal narrative with the broad canvas of history, offering a vivid critique of colonialism and slavery. The series achieves the delicate balance of dealing with a sensitive subject matter without sacrificing its entertainment quotient. It provides a window into a period and place in history that is rarely explored, shining a light on the brutal reality of the past, the resilience of those who endured, and the unwavering hope for a better future. This PBS Masterpiece from 2018, while being aesthetically splendid, is notable for its evocative storytelling and commendable performances. The Long Song is not just a piece of historical fiction. It is the echoing voice of a silenced history, demanding to be heard and remembered.