Actor/Writer Emeka Agada Talks Playwriting Debut The Last Black Messiah

This August, the Etcetera Theatre will host The Last Black Messiah (27–29 August), a new indie play directed by Nathaniel Brimmer-Beller. The story follows Dr. Oko, an ex-professor and Black revolutionary on death row, whose final hours are interrupted by a former student eager to capture his last words. Set during the post-Reagan era, the play explores themes of power, identity, justice, and survival. It is urgent, thought-provoking, and unapologetically bold — theatre that challenges audiences to think critically about resistance and the cost of standing up for change.

“For me, stepping into the role of Dr. Oko has been both demanding and transformative,” says Agada. “He is a man at the end of his life but still burning with conviction for justice and revolution.” Unlike his past work on screen, such as Reacher, this role requires “deep intimacy and a focus on internal conflict rather than physical action. It’s about ideology, honesty, and the price of truth.” Oh and Agada shared his love for Egusi soup!!!!!!

On the Director he explains. “Working with Nathaniel Brimmer-Beller has been a gift — he encourages us to embrace complexity, unearth hidden layers, and discover new truths in every rehearsal.”

Reflecting on what audiences might take away, he says: “I hope they leave challenged, moved, and inspired to think about activism and their own role in shaping society.

What excites Agada most, however, is the immediacy of performing such a story live on stage. “Theatre is alive — you can feel the audience breathing with you. A piece like this demands that kind of intimacy.”

Three words he uses to capture the essence of the play? “Truth. Revolutionary. Hopeful.”

 I play Dr. Oko, an ex-professor and Black revolutionary leader, a man facing his final chapter of his life in prison. His motivation is complex, he is driven by his unwavering belief in justice and change, even as he confronts the consequences of being a revolutionary.

 

 

This role is more intimate,and deeply political. The prison system is a similar setting for both characters but that’s where the connection ends. There was a lot of action in Reacher, but here the conflict is more internal and ideological. The biggest challenge is conveying this story honestly because it is a topic that resonates with a lot of people.

 

Oh yes, an important question. I’ve been back and forth about this title, you can imagine why. But It’s powerful. It made me think about the meaning of being the “last” voice of a resistance and the impact that might have on future generations.

This piece explores revolution, ideology, and the price you pay for standing up for what you believe in. The play is meant to be written from the heart, it’s raw, and bold with moments of tenderness and reflection.

Nathaniel is bold and an effective communicator. He really encourages us to embrace the complexity of our characters and dig deep into the story. There’s always something new being discovered when working closely with Nathaniel.

 

 

I never know how to answer this question. All jokes aside, I hope our audiences leave challenged, moved and inspired to think critically about activism and their role in shaping society.. Maybe learning more about their history or being more active in their community.

The stage is alive and intimate in a way that screen acting can’t replicate. A piece like this, you would want to hear how the story touched the audience. But the great thing about the screen is you can reach millions in a short amount of time.

 

Truth. Revolutionary. Hopeful.

 

London has been extremely kind to me. Still, when I think of home, It’s less about the place and more about where I’ve felt the happiest. For me, that will always be Nigeria. No matter where life takes me, that connection is always there.

 

 

There’s nothing like a warm bowl of Egusi soup with pounded yam or chicken and rice with stew. It’s just filled with good memories.