Black Power Desk depicts the real-life struggle of black activists in a compelling, beautiful way.
Set in the 1970s against the backdrop of the Civil rights movement in London, the original musical explores the struggle of black people in the UK at this time. The play does this through the lens of the fictional sisters, Celia (Rochelle Rose) and Dina (Veronica Carabai).
Black Power Desk, the name of a covert police surveillance unit set up in 1967 to supress black activism in the UK, effectively explores themes of racism and sexism. The play does not shy away from controversial topics and serves to educate the audience by highlighting the role of undercover police officers in the civil rights movement on stage.
The performances both musically and acting wise from Rose and Carabai were tremendous, Rochelle Rose as Celia was truly the standout performer of the play, which is a massive achievement considering the talent and skills on stage.
Every chance Rose had to show her vocal prowess she took, resulting in a phenomenal performance as Celia as she routinely stole the show with her singing technique.
The supporting cast were also impressive; I especially liked Fahad Shaft as the despicable but charismatic Colin- who’s character represented a deeply interesting part of the Black civil rights movement.
The live band in the corner of the stage played no small part in making the play feel lively as the constant live music made The Lowry Theatre feel electric, something that definitely would not have been the same without it.
Every single song in the play was written incredibly well mixing the theatrical with rap and reggae sounds producing an original final product, that will give spectators an audio experience they will never get again.
The set design of the production is immaculate down to finite details, with the play being set mostly in the restaurant “The Drum” ran by a Jamaican immigrant. Natalia Pryce does an excellent job as set designer including Jamaican beverages on the shelves including the popular beer Red Stripe, highlighting the influence on British culture that Jamaican immigrants and Jamaican culture has had.
The one critique of the play is that despite its well written story it perhaps didn’t know how to end as the closing stages of the play dragged slightly and the story perhaps didn’t get a satisfying resolution for all its characters, despite this I would say the overall story was relevant, emotional and deeply important even now. Black Power Desk is a production that should be on the watch list of all theatre goers.
★★★★☆
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