The Last Black Messiah by Emeka Agada, The Brockley Jack Studio Theatre, Brockley Road, London SE4 | until 16 May 2026 ⭐⭐ Review by William Russell

Photo credit: Henry Hu

The Last Black Messiah

by Emeka Agada

The Brockley Jack Studio Theatre, Brockley Road, London SE4 | until 16 May 2026

⭐⭐ Review by William Russell

“A work in progress which raises lots to ponder.”

This two-hander written by Emeka Agada, who also plays the title role, is very much a work in progress – it is interesting but while he delivers a substantial performance he needs to make his message clearer. He plays a black activist in the United States who is confronted by Asante, one of his followers played by Kenneth Butler and the argue about his message and about the place of Black African Americans in society and how they will always be defeated by those who run the country, the powers of the great corporations. In fact, it is a set up. Asante is wearing a wire and getting the other man to incriminate himself having been blackmailed into doing so to protect himself and his family. But everything needs to be set out with greater clarity and in the post show discussion neither actor managed to provide it. Nor did the director Nathaniel Brimmer-Beller. I think there is an audience for it but just what it has to say for Black African Britons I am not at all sure. It is not the Windrush generation but surely the children of the Windrush generation and how they are fitting in to society in today's society one that has gone through immense changes they should be talking to. But if it intrigues you then you will find a lot to ponder afterwards.

Cast

Emeka Agada – Dr Oko

Kenneth Butler – Asante

Treci Dominique – Voice Overs

Creatives

Director - & Sound Designer – Nathaniel Brimmer-Beller

Lighting Design – Rey Wong