BLACK POWER DESK

​1970s London.  
The streets awash with a fever of political unrest, the rhythm of the sound system culture is birthing a new era of soulful lover’s rock, fusing RnB and reggae, amidst the covert Black Power Desk operations of New Scotland Yard. As tensions rise, the community rallies together to stand against injustices and racial divide.  ​

“The day you were born Black was the day politics was made your thing… politics is personal when you look like us” JARVIS 

 

BLACK POWER DESK is a powerful reimagining and exploration of what it means to love and fight for freedom. In an often male-dominated world, two sisters, Celia and Dina – both rooted in self-empowerment and fiercely committed to their community, both loyal and motivated by love – are divided by grief and radical politics.

 

“This is a war, that’s not a place for a woman… her revolution isn’t one for us, but for her kind.” COLIN 

 

A moving story of sisters who need to reconnect for the sake of their community. But will the fight for their community be worth the damage to their sisterhood? 

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“I thought I was choosing my dreams but it turns out I was choosing a lie.” CELIA 

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Inspired by the historic Mangrove Nine Trial and brought to life by an original score performed by a live three-piece band, BLACK POWER DESK is a musical soundtrack charting a fiercely emotive and politically charged era of often overlooked British history for today’s generation. At a time of the rise of Black-British Panthers, the onset of the Immigration Act 1971, the emergence of Black business ownership and the hails of a generation living through the racial tensions of Great Britain.  

 

“Don’t let it be for nothing so breathe and don’t ask permission.” DINA 

 

BLACK POWER DESK transports you back to the 1970s, premiering at Brixton House,

London this Autumn 2025. Written by the critically acclaimed team of Urielle Klein-
Mekongo (Roundhouse, The Bush, The Old Vic), Gerel Falconer (TONES, HighRise, Stage Debut nominee) and Renell Shaw (Ivor Novello Award, Rudimental).

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Directed by the award-winning Gbolahan Obisesan (Sheffield Crucible; Leeds Playhouse; Young Vic, Sheffield Crucible, Birmingham Rep, Yard Theatre, Royal Court). Dramaturgy by Gail Babb (Tamasha, ICA, Unlimited, Southbank Centre, Fuel, Talawa).

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Originally commissioned by the Old Vic 12, with original development by Miranda Cromwell (National Theatre, Royal Exchange Theatre, Piccadilly Theatre, Young Vic) and original dramaturgy by Tom Wright (Leeds Playhouse; Kiln; Old Vic).

 

BLACK POWER DESK is generously supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and by Cockayne Grants for the Arts, Axis and L&Q. ​
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Development supported by PlayWell Productions, Arts Council England, Genesis Foundation, Stage One Bursary Scheme for New Producers, 1927, Birmingham Hippodrome, Brixton House, China Plate, Hackney Empire, Mercury Musical Developments, and Musical Theatre Network.

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​CREATIVE TEAM

Urielle Klein-Mekongo - Book Lyrics and Composition

Gerel Falconer - Lyrics and Rapperturgy

Renell Shaw - Music and Composition

Gbolahan Obisesan - Director

Gail Babb - Dramaturg

Natalie Pryce - Designer

Jessica Cabassa - Costume designer

Tony Gayle - Sound designer

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​​To discuss sponsorship opportunities contact Steph on steph@playwellproductions.co.uk​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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