Brixton House: Bold season of theatre marks 40 years since Brixton riots
A theatre company in the heart of Brixton will mark its third anniversary and 40 years since the Brixton riots with its most ambitious season to date.
In 1985, Dorothy “Cherry” Groce was mistakenly shot by police officers in an incident which left her paralysed, sparking the Brixton Riots.
Four decades on, Coldharbour Lane’s Brixton House has curated a season of seven shows for a potent programme to celebrate resilience from the 1970s to present day.
This thrilling season, running from April until September, promises to challenge assumptions and honour legacies by shining a light on the original voices rooted in the hidden stories of Black British history.
From dance floors and DJ decks to the subversive strength in sisterhood, Brixton House will honour the power of the collective voice.
Highlights include the much-anticipated world premiere of BLACK POWER DESK, presented by Brixton House and PlayWell Productions.
Written by the critically acclaimed team of Urielle Klein-Mekongo, Renell Shaw and Gerel Falconer and directed by Gbolahan Obisesan, this musical is inspired by the historic Mangrove Nine.
Set on a backdrop of political unrest in 1970s London, the rhythm of the sound system culture is birthing a new era of soulful lover’s rock, fusing RnB and reggae.
But tensions begin to rise amidst the covert Black Power Desk operations of New Scotland Yard, pulling the community together to stand against racial divides.
Brought to life by an original score performed by a live three-piece band, BLACK POWER DESK charts a fierce era of British history.
Executive Creative Producer Ruth Hawkins said: “Every so often, you witness a piece of work by an incredible artist evolve over the years, and I couldn’t be more honored to collaborate with PlayWell Productions to bring the highly anticipated world premiere of BLACK POWER DESK to Brixtn House.
“This is our biggest show yet – one that deserves a life far beyond our walls.”
Elsewhere in the programme, THIS KIND OF BLACK (Requiem for Black Boys) by Reece Williams will run from April 8 to 12.
A story about growing up in Manchester’s Moss Side in the 90s, a stone’s throw from conflict and violence, THIS KIND OF BLACK celebrates a community held together by prayers, warmth and humour, while mourning the tragic loss of young life.
For families, A TALE OF US by Sharon Kanolik and director Jade Lewis, will explore a magical journey of Ivy and her little one.
Blending drama and multi-sensory playtime in a relaxed and beautifully designed environment, this is a celebration of the wonder, joys and challenges of becoming a new parent.
Running from April 15 to 17, each performance there will be a guided stay and play session – a chance for everyone to explore the world of the show and meet other parents and babies.
Later in July, Lil.Miss.Lady will explode onto the scene with an exploration of UK bass music culture.
Written and directed by Dominic Garfield, Lil.Miss.Lady traces the early stages of Jungle and ravers, reminiscing through UK Garage, Sub-Low, Funky House, Dubstep and Grime.
Inspired by a series of interviews with influential women in the Grime scene including Lady Stush, Lioness, Queenie and Baby Blue, Lil.Miss.Lady explores what it means to be a woman navigating her way through a male- dominated industry.
Ms Hawkins said: “This season really asks you to think about what resistance means to you – placing the Black British female narrative front and centre.
“The season continues our commitment to investing in the creative futures of groundbreaking storytellers, in South London.”
Alongside the theatre programme, the season includes a literary series, late-night events of comedy, DJ sessions, and social quizzes and games nights.
Free family activities continue during school holidays, while the Brixton House Community Choir and the Elder’s social group Brixton House Good Neighbours return for another season.
Pictured top: Brixton House in Coldharbour Lane (Picture: Hufton Crow)