The Last Black Messiah: a poignant drama on Black Identity & Struggle

Dr. Oko (Emeka Agada) listening to his wife's message whilst his student Asante (Kenneth Butler) is taking notes.

The Last Black Messiah, written and performed by the award nominated Emeka Agada, is a compelling two-character political drama set in 1991 within a U.S. prison.

Dr. Oko, portrayed by Emeka Agada, is a Black revolutionary and former professor facing execution. He receives an unexpected visit from his former student, Asante, played by American actor and filmmaker Kenneth Butler, a recent Guildford School of Acting graduate. Asante seeks an interview to capture the revered activist Dr. Oko's final words, while hiding his true intentions.

The stage features a simple setup: two chairs separated by a table, where the characters engage in intense debates and reflections. This minimalist design enhances the narrative's power and the actors' commanding presence. The audience, directly facing the stage, is drawn into the performance's intimate and emotional depth. Strategic lighting highlights the actors' expressions, while the sound of a phone ringing marks the passage of days and visits, revealing Asante's internal conflict between his admiration for Dr. Oko and his survival instincts, paced by a federal agent's voice.

The storyline reaches an inevitable conclusion with no justice for Dr. Oko, who becomes a sacrificial lamb. Yet, the dynamic between the characters keeps us captivated. Will Asante rekindle Dr. Oko's revolutionary spirit and pride, or will Dr. Oko sway Asante back to his ideology, preventing betrayal?

The performances are outstanding; both actors' vocal prowess and subtle nuances captivate the audience, guiding us through layers of psychological depth, humor, and tenderness.

As the play unfolded, it resonated as an ode to the Black man: the father of civilizations, protector of nations, never anti but always ready to defend. The Black man resists systemic oppression to safeguard his community, yet often sacrifices himself for his family's survival, as seen in Asante's choice of survival over ideology. The Black man is selfless and his abnegation challenges his leadership. Whether in body or spirit, he must face death so others can live, exemplified by Dr. Oko's ultimate sacrifice for his people's freedom. His potential must be restrained, as the oppressive system fears his rise. Must the Black man always be second in line?

The Last Black Messiah is a powerful depiction of the Black man's quest for identity in a society where slavery has morphed into capitalism. How can he find his place and purpose while caring for his own?

This narrative captures the enduring reality of Black men who died trying and became martyrs in their struggle. Can the Black man triumph in a system built by others, where the oppressor dictates the rules?

In this Matrix, the Black man appears to face a singular fate: to die or rebel. Like Neo in the iconic sequel, who discovered the truth about himself, the Black man is destined to rise, yet faces doom. To live and save humanity, he must destroy the very Matrix that is home to those he holds dear.

This evokes a profound question: Is being a Black Messiah and a revolutionary one and the same?