A powerful new Black British musical, "Black Power Desk," is set to have its world premiere at Brixton House on September 1st, running until September 28th, with Press Night on September 5th. This ambitious production, the largest to date for Brixton House, promises an original score blending RnB, Reggae, Soul, and Ska, brought to life by a vibrant live band.
Penned by critically acclaimed playwright Urielle Klein-Mekongo (Old Vic 12), in collaboration with Black British Theatre Award-winner Gerel Falconer as rapperturg and lyricist, "Black Power Desk" delves into a rarely explored yet pivotal period of British history. Inspired by the real-life events of the Mangrove Nine and other influential Black British activists, the musical is set against the backdrop of 1970s London, a time of significant political unrest and cultural transformation.
The show is directed by Gbolahan Obisesan (Olivier-nominated Cutting It), with musical composition by Ivor Novello Award winner and platinum-selling songwriter Renell Shaw (Rudimental). The creative team also includes award-winning dramaturgist Gail Babb, Set Designer Natalie Pryce, Costume Designer Jessica Cabassa, Lighting Designer Prema Mehta, Sound Designer Tony Gayle, and Movement Director Jade Hackett.
"Black Power Desk" tells the story of two sisters caught between family bonds, community struggles, and the covert operations of a secret police unit inside New Scotland Yard. Playwright Urielle Klein-Mekongo expressed her desire to "delve deeper and discover the stories from Black British history that have been left untold," hoping the musical will "touch many hearts and stirs the soul."
This premiere is a key part of Brixton House's Uprising Festival, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Brixton Uprising. Following its run in Brixton, "Black Power Desk" is slated to tour major regional theatres, including Warwick Arts Centre, The Lowry, and Birmingham Hippodrome, ensuring this vital story reaches audiences nationwide.
