Written by Urielle Klein-Mekongo and directed by Gbolahan Obisesan, Black Power Desk is a musical which sits within Brixton House’s Uprising Festival – a season of work commemorating the 40th anniversary of the 1985 Brixton Uprising, sparked by the police shooting of Cherry Groce.
The title refers to a secret unit within Scotland Yard whose aim is to monitor the Black community in 1970s London. Their target is the Drum cafe where two sisters and their friends and family struggle with poverty, family bonds and community tensions as they seek ways of surviving and fighting back in a racist society.
Set to an original score with live musicians on stage, the work is a mix of racial and gender politics which takes an uncompromising look at the realities of being Black in London. It relates in raw detail the impact on Black communities of blatant institutional racism, harassment and brutality, undercover policing, corruption and collaboration. But it’s also a story of strength and resilience – particularly of women – in the face of a criminal justice system which dehumanises and bullies Black people.
Although anchored in the 1970s and in particular the case of the Mangrove 9, Black Power Desk references other significant events – the killing of Cherry Groce and the Deptford fire for example – which make it thematic rather than strictly chronological. It is also unapologetically political as it explores whether Britain should have its own Black Power movement.
Opting for a musical format – more commonly associated with light hearted stories – was an ambitious choice. But music injects emotion and energises the narrative in ways that a straight play would not. And of course it ranges across the many genres – calypso, reggae, rap, soul and more – which are rooted in the Black community and which enable musicians and cast members to demonstrate their considerable talents.
Black Power Desk is not an easy or comfortable piece of theatre. You can feel, see and hear how committed the cast members are to bringing to life Black experience in the UK. It is a powerful retelling of painful truths.
Levi Roots, chair of Brixton House said “Brixton House is all about nurturing talent and championing unheard voices and I’m incredibly proud that Urielle Klein-Mekongo’s stirring piece will be staged in the heart of Brixton. This story will resonate with so many people, including myself who lived through this culture defining time that Black Power Desk speaks to. I’m so proud that this exciting production will now have its moment and I wish many more people, beyond Brixton will learn about Black British history and the legacies we must continue to shine a light on.”
Black Power Desk runs until 28 September in Brixton House, 385 Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8GL.
Tickets from £16.
For further information go to www.brixtonhouse.co.uk/shows/black-power-desk
