The Last Black Messiah

Information

Presented by BlackPen Productions & Black Bat Productions

Written by & Starring Emeka Agada
Directed by Nathaniel Brimmer-Beller

Set in a fractured America transitioning from the Reagan era into the Bush presidency, The Last Black Messiah is a touching two-hander political drama that unfolds inside a prison. Dr. Oko, an ex-professor and black revolutionary leader, awaits his execution. When his former student makes a surprise visit to the once renowned professor, not everything is as it seems.
Through memories and clashing convictions, the play explores the struggle for power and justice in a nation whose priorities overlook the needs of the people.

This marks the world premiere and playwriting debut of Emeka Agada, a rising actor known for his work in the hit action series Reacher (Amazon Prime). Co-starring Kenneth Butler, and directed by award-nominated playwright and director Nathaniel Brimmer-Beller, known for his bold and innovative theatre work. This production is a must see!

Cast & Creative Team

Emeka Agada

Emeka Agada is an award nominated actor who rose to international attention for his viral appearance in Amazon Prime’s original series, Reacher. On film, he recently portrayed Hip-Hop legend Paradise Gray in an upcoming biopic starring David Harewood. His stage work includes The Midnight Caller and Kim’s Convenience. His original sketch comedy web series Black Smith was recently an official selection at TINFF, earning three nominations, including Best Web Series and Best Actor.

Kenneth Butler

Kenneth Butler is an American actor and filmmaker based in the UK. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, he recently completed his MFA in Acting at the Guildford School of Acting. He also originated the role of Phil in Flying Ant Day and Abon Bridges in Look Forward: The Ruby Bridges Story. His further stage credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Jane Eyre, and Pericles, with performances at international festivals such as the Sibiu International Theatre Festival and the Verona Shakespeare Fringe.

Nathaniel Brimmer-Beller

Nathaniel Brimmer-Beller is a director, actor, screenwriter, and published playwright. He has directed more than 30 theatrical productions, including the UK premiere of Pulitzer Prize-winner James Ijames’ White and three runs of his acclaimed play In Everglade Studio. His work has been nominated for the George Devine Award for Most Promising Playwright (for Blood Red Apples & Deep Gold Honey), the BBC Writersroom Popcorn Award for Best New Writing (for In Everglade Studio), and an Offie (for Port City Signature), and won a Bursary Prize for writing and performance at Screenshot, hosted by the Royal Court (for The Nomineers, a monologue adaptation of his play Press). Most recently directed the media satire ‘Press’ (★★★★★ “Genius” – Broadway Baby)

Black Bat Productions has been creating theatre since 2017, and has been behind a broad range of sharp, stylish pieces of theatre. The company has a curious, incisive, and acclaimed approach to original storytelling. In addition to multiple London runs, Black Bat Productions has staged original work at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival seven times. Notable productions include: 1950s jazz noir Mack The Knife, Twilight-Zone-inspired mystery Technicolor, razor-sharp political satire Chagos 1971, heist thriller Fear of Roses, 1960s fashion-industry caper Nines and contemporary comedy-drama The Kindness of Strangers. Black Bat Productions has seen three of its pieces published by Methuen Drama: 1970s set play-with-songs In Everglade Studio, Hitchcock-esque noir thriller Port City Signature, and acclaimed satire Press.

Black Pen Productions is a London-based creative company dedicated to developing bold new writing and socially engaging storytelling across stage and screen. Its debut production, The Midnight Caller, achieved a sold out run at the Old Red Lion Theatre (★★★★ " Thrilling” – Everything Theatre)

CW: Racial tension, strong language, grief, death and drug use.
Occasional loud noise.

Recommend age 14+