Historical Context (Leave Taking)

This sections explains the historical context of the paly Leave Taking by Winsome Pinnock. Leave Taking, written by Winsome Pinnock and first performed in 1988, explores the experiences of a Caribbean immigrant family in Britain. The play reflects the social and historical realities of the Windrush generation, the challenges of immigration, and the tensions between first- and second-generation immigrants. Understanding the historical context of the play helps to deepen our understanding of its themes and characters, as well as the societal issues Pinnock addresses.

The Windrush Generation

The Windrush generation refers to the group of Caribbean immigrants who arrived in Britain between 1948 and 1971. After the Second World War, Britain faced a severe labour shortage, and the government encouraged people from the British colonies to migrate and help rebuild the country. Many came from Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados, and other Caribbean islands, often on ships such as the HMT Empire Windrush, which gave the generation its name.

These immigrants were invited to fill jobs in sectors such as transport, healthcare, and industry. Despite being British subjects, many of them faced racism, discrimination, and prejudice upon arrival, often struggling to integrate into British society.

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Enid, the mother in Leave Taking, is part of this Windrush generation. Her migration from Jamaica to Britain represents the hopes and dreams of many Caribbean immigrants who left their homes to seek better opportunities. However, like many of her contemporaries, Enid finds herself displaced, struggling to balance her Jamaican identity with the pressures of assimilating into British society.

The challenges faced by Enid and her daughters in the play reflect the social exclusion and cultural isolation that many Windrush immigrants experienced.

Racism and Discrimination in 1970s-80s Britain

Britain in the 1970s and 1980s was marked by racial tensions and hostility towards immigrants. Caribbean immigrants and their children were often subject to institutional racism in housing, education, and employment. The National Front, a far-right political group, was active during this period, promoting anti-immigrant sentiment and encouraging racial violence.

The Brixton Riots in 1981, a response to racial discrimination and police harassment of Black communities, highlighted the simmering racial tensions in the country. The 1980s were also a period of unemployment and economic decline, which disproportionately affected working class communities, leading to further social unrest.

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In Leave Taking, Pinnock explores the effects of racism on the younger generation, particularly through Del’s character. Del, born and raised in Britain, faces racial discrimination in school and struggles with her identity, feeling that she does not fully belong in either Jamaican or British culture. Her rebellion against both British society and her mother’s traditional values reflects the sense of alienation experienced by many second-generation immigrants during this period.

The play also touches on the educational barriers faced by Black students in Britain. Del’s frustration with the school system, where she feels unsupported and marginalised, mirrors the experience of many Black youths in the 1980s who were disproportionately excluded from schools and underrepresented in higher education.

Caribbean Culture and Spirituality

The Caribbean immigrant community in Britain maintained a strong sense of cultural identity, often holding on to traditions and customs from their home countries. Caribbean spirituality and practices, such as obeah (a form of folk magic and healing), were sometimes seen as a way to connect with their cultural roots and cope with the difficulties of life in a foreign land.

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The character of Mai, the spiritual healer, reflects this connection to Caribbean traditions and spirituality. Enid turns to Mai for help, hoping that spiritual healing will guide her daughters, particularly Del, through their emotional struggles. The inclusion of spirituality in the play highlights the importance of cultural identity for first-generation immigrants and their attempts to pass down these traditions to their children.

However, Del and Viv, born in Britain, are sceptical of these practices, reflecting the cultural gap between generations. The younger generation’s detachment from traditional Caribbean spirituality reflects the broader theme of cultural assimilation and loss of identity that many second-generation immigrants experienced.

British Immigration Policy

In the years following the arrival of the Windrush generation, British immigration policy became increasingly restrictive. The Commonwealth Immigrants Act of 1962 and the Immigration Act of 1971 imposed stricter controls on immigration from former colonies, including the Caribbean. These acts aimed to limit the number immigrants coming to Britain and were a response to growing public opposition to immigration.

By the 1980s, policies were designed to discourage immigration and make life more difficult for those without secure legal status. In 1973 the UK joined the European Economic Area (which later became the EU) meaning Britain looked towards Europe for trade and later immigration. 

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While Leave Taking does not explicitly focus on immigration policy, the backdrop of hostile attitudes towards immigrants informs the characters’ experiences. Enid’s life in Britain is shaped by the political and social climate of exclusion, which makes her efforts to raise her daughters in a country that does not fully accept them even more challenging.

The restrictive immigration policies also contribute to the sense of displacement and alienation that Enid feels, as she grapples with the tension between her Jamaican roots and her life in Britain.

The Black British Experience

The play explores the experiences of Black British citizens, particularly second-generation immigrants like Del and Viv, who were born and raised in Britain but still face racism and social exclusion. During the 1980s, Black British youth often found themselves marginalised, caught between their parents’ Caribbean heritage and the discriminatory society in which they lived.

The rise of Black British cultural movements during this time, including the emergence of Black literature, theatre, and music, was a response to this sense of marginalisation. These movements sought to give voice to the Black British experience and challenge the dominant narratives of British society.

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Leave Taking can be seen as part of the broader movement of Black British theatre that emerged in the 1980s. Plays like Pinnock’s offered a platform to explore the experiences of Black families in Britain and address issues such as identity, racism, and cultural conflict. Del and Viv’s struggles to define their place in British society reflect the wider experience of young Black people in Britain during this period, who often felt invisible and unheard.

Conclusion

The historical context of Leave Taking is deeply rooted in the experiences of the Windrush generation, the racial tensions of 1970s-80s Britain, and the on-going struggles of Black British communities. Pinnock’s play reflects the social and political realities of the time, highlighting the alienation, racism, and cultural conflict faced by immigrant families. By understanding the historical background of the play, we gain greater insight into the characters’ motivations and the challenges they face, making Leave Taking a rich exploration of identity, belonging, and the impact of migration.