Brixton House, in collaboration with PlayWell Productions, Birmingham Hippodrome, and Salford's The Lowry, has unveiled the cast for the highly anticipated world premiere of Black Power Desk. This new Black British musical, set against the vibrant backdrop of 1970s London and the burgeoning sound system culture, promises a compelling exploration of family bonds, community struggles, and the covert operations of a secret police unit.
Running from September 1 to 28 at Brixton House, Black Power Desk is Urielle Klein-Mekongo's largest production to date, featuring an original score that blends RnB, Reggae, Soul, and Ska, performed by a live band. The musical is co-written with Gerel Falconer, a Black British Theatre Award winner and Rapperturg, and features musical composition by Ivor Novello Award winner and platinum-selling songwriter Renell Shaw (Rudimental). The production will be directed by Olivier-nominated Gbolahan Obisesan.
The nine-strong cast is led by Rochelle Rose (National Theatre, Young Vic, Royal Court) and Veronica Carabai (Royal Court Theatre, National Theatre) as sisters Celia and Dina, whose complex relationship forms the heart of the narrative. They are joined by an impressive ensemble including Alexander Bellinfantie, Tomos Eames, Gerel Falconer, Fahad Shaft, Chanté Faucher, Alan Drake, and Casey Bird.
Inspired by the historic Mangrove Nine and other influential figures of the British Black Power movement, Black Power Desk shines a lyrical light on a rarely explored chapter of British history. Urielle Klein-Mekongo stated, "This musical was borne from a desire to delve deeper and discover the stories from Black British history that have been left untold... Told through the lens of two women with a rich 70s musical soundscape, I hope it will touch many hearts and stirs the soul."
The production is a key part of Brixton House's Uprising Festival, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Brixton Uprising. Following its premiere, Black Power Desk will embark on a tour to major regional theatres, including Warwick Arts Centre, The Lowry, and Birmingham Hippodrome. Tickets for the Brixton House run start from £16, with a "Pay What You Feel" performance on September 1.
