Review: Black Power Desk, Brixton House

Brixton, location of so much Black British history, is the apt home for the debut of Black Power Desk, playing at Brixton House. This intense, layered production portrays some of the systemic toxicity of late 20th-century British history. The theatre hosts a display and reflection area, prompting us to consider “what are your small acts of resistance?” Here, pre-production photos and quotes blend with the thoughtful words of Brixton House visitors – many of whom have marked their part of this history already, while others have yet to define their paths.  

Black Power Desk is a triumph. Urielle Klein-Mekongo (book, lyrics and composition) excels in proud and passionate storytelling about the police commitment to a ‘Black Power Desk’ to focus upon potential sources of insurgence from the community. It carries historical truths – new to some audience members and painful memories for the rest of us – yet feels innovative and fresh. 

Two sisters, Celia, or CeCe, (Rochelle Rose) and Dina (Veronica Carabai), duet and duel through the fractures of their lives. Their contrasting vocals portray sadness, suffering, wit and the joys of living.  The wider cast have opportunities for deep ranging harmonies, soaring lyrics, palpable anger and undeniable power. Gerel Falconer’s lyrics and rapperturgy (16 bar sections rap) add a pacing and depth to each character that defies standard speech. Alexander Bellinfantie as Jarvis and Falconer as Carlton are particularly striking in their physicality, portraying humour, anger, deference and fury.  Jarvis adds much Jamaican seasoning to his wit and humour.  Colin (Fahad Shaft) is the powerful panther with lofty aspirations. Carabai, as Dina, has a Lauryn Hill quality to her voice, which is sublime.  But it is CeCe who takes us from the despair of being unvalued, unseen and unheard… to church! Gail Babb’s dramaturgy is outstanding throughout – incisive and foreboding, as both consensual and forced intimacy are depicted with sensitivity and courage.

The band (Daniel Taylor Keys, Tendai Humphrey Sitima, Romarna Campbell) is impressively vibrant in both styling and professionalism. Set into the corner of the stage, their music navigates us effortlessly through reggae, ska, gospel, calypso, soul, grime and rap.  

Costuming (Jessica Cabassa) is very much of its time, across all characters. Excellent transitions of fabrics and colouring depict the personalities of each sister, showing light and shade in their approach to life. The set, designed by Natalie Pryce, is multi-levelled and multi-functional, and thoughtful staging traverses many locations, including ‘The Drum’ restaurant, police station, family home, prison and court. Prema Mehta’s lighting design is well-timed, with a contrast of playfulness, romance and dangerous political highlights. Colours and gradients of lighting transition us readily between scenes, emotions and locations. Sound (Tony Gayle) is generally really effective with layers of spoken word, song, recorded and live music. This occasionally falters, where lyrics are lost as microphone timing needs refinement, a difficult balance between tender words and powerful vocals. The sheer energy and passion of the entire cast consume the space and feed a hungry audience. 

As the audience, bring your attention and energy – this is a production that engages us to vote, to share opinion, carry a beat and rise to our feet in applause for this brave and powerful show. We witness the struggles for inclusion and visibility, the depiction of masculinity, misogyny and paradigms of justice.  Catch your breath if you can, as this fast-paced, multi-talented production schools us all.  “Breathe – and don’t ask for permission.”

Book, Lyrics & Composition: Urielle Klein-Mekongo
Lyrics & ‘Rapperturgy’: Gerel Falconer
Music & Composition, Musical Supervision & Rehearsal Musical Director: Renell Shaw
Director: Gbolahan Obisesan 
Dramaturg: Gail Babb 
Set Designer: Natalie Pryce 
Costume Designer: Jessica Cabassa 
Lighting Designer: Prema Mehta 
Sound Designer: Tony Gayle 
Movement Director: Jade Hackett 
Associate Lighting Designer & Programmer: Philip Burke 
Fight Coordinator: Kemi Durosinmi
Produced by Brixton House & PlayWell Productions

Black Power Desk plays at Brixton House until Sunday 28 September