Press for this production

‘It’s an intense and challenging piece of theatre, jumping between scenes in the prison and flashbacks to Oko’s days as a political activist and earlier classroom encounters between the two men… The lighting is subtle but effective – fading when the intensity builds, with the harsh, flickering light above the centre of the stage a constant reminder that we’re in an institution.

The two actors are well matched and very credible. Writer Emeka Agada plays Dr Oko and his performance is outstanding. He moves from seeming defeated and resigned to his fate to showing us his life as a bold revolutionary leader, he’s very human in his regrets about being parted from his family but absolutely steadfast in his convictions. He is expressive and extremely watchable. It’s easy to imagine him inspiring a generation of activists.

As Asante, Kenneth Butler has a challenging and complex role… His story arc is just as gripping as the reminiscences of his former mentor and we clearly see his own struggles and conflicted feelings as the play progresses…

it’s a very timely piece. Although set in the 90s, the challenges faced by these Black men are still depressingly relevant today, in the wake of George Floyd’s murder and the rise of the BLM movement, Black voices are still fighting to be heard… thought-provoking and tells a compelling story whilst tackling important themes, with excellent performances that will stay with me for some time.’ ★★★★ Theatre and Tonic

‘The story of The Last Black Messiah is a story that is both timely and timeless… The script also touches on legacy, memory, and the critical need for a community to tell their own story.’ London Pub Theatres

‘Thought provoking theatre is a necessity & that is exactly what The Last Black Messiah achieves. This intriguing two-hander is an intense watch highlighting important & relevant themes. The play tells the story of Black revolutionary leader, Dr Oko (Emeka Agada, who is also the writer), a former university professor… What follows is a trip down memory lane; uncovering how history, politics, identity, justice & more can play a part in who you are & how it shapes your community.’ Come Theatre With Me

‘a confident production that deals with important issues.’ British Theatre Guide

‘Agada ‘s Oko is charming but razor sharp, with unbending and unrepentant convictions but it is not until you see him in flashbacks giving speeches that you see his true charismatic power outweighing his flaws. Asante’s memories of his student activism have been dulled by his responsibilities to his young family, but Oko sees him as a final chance to carry out his final act of revolution… The actors give passionate performances‘ Fairy Powered Productions

‘what’s important is the fact that this new play is staged at all, a testament to this theatre’s willingness to take chances with its programming and to serve all its local community.’ Broadway World

‘A captivating drama that will keep you guessing as two strong characters discuss shared beliefs in liberty and clashing ideologies of how to achieve it… As writer, Agada has crafted an absorbing and charged political drama…  This is a compelling political and character drama … the struggles to achieve a meaningful sense of justice and empowerment … are still relevant to hear across the world today.’ ★★★★ Everything Theatre

‘The performances are outstanding; both actors’ vocal prowess and subtle nuances captivate the audience, guiding us through layers of psychological depth, humor, and tenderness… The Last Black Messiah is a powerful depiction of the Black man’s quest for identity.’ AfroCulture

‘A powerful two-hander… there’s a wealth of talent here.’ London Pub Theatres

Photography by Henry Hu