REVIEW: ASSATA TAUGHT ME by Kalungi Ssebandeke at Riverside Studios 12 – 24 May 2026
‘When does a freedom fighter become a terrorist?’ ★★★★ ½
Set in Cuba, the story centres on 21 year old student Fanuco and an older American woman, Assata Shakur. The action takes place in Assata’s lounge and dining room, where we meet Fanuco. Assata has bravely rescued him from a beating and brought him to her home to patch him up. It is Fanuco’s dream to move away from poverty and make his fortune in America. He must improve his spoken English for the job he has been offered and he latches onto Assata begging her to be his teacher. When she reluctantly agrees, he receives an education that he was not expecting.
Along the journey Fanuco learns more about his African heritage and the truth about Assata. Assata is an escaped convict and former Black Panther turned FBI’s Most Wanted Woman - with $2m on her head. The play asks when does a ‘freedom fighter’ become a terrorist. How important are our roots and the history of our people. No simple answers but audiences are sure to take sides as the drama unfolds, with clarity and a powerful ending.
It is expertly directed and written by Kalungi Ssebandeke with two fine performances. Ebenezer Gyau is adorable as Fanuco with all the delightful playfulness and naievity of the young. Susan Lawson-Reynolds as Assata is a wonderful foil, someone who has experienced the horrors of slavery and has fought for freedom for her people.
The cleverness of the direction shows in so many small details (and others not so small). The knocking on the door is sound only, no need for mime. The entrance through the side (and not the door) immediately gives the impression of the passage of time. The change of costumes helps to show the growing maturity of Fanuco, who by the end of the play is considerably changed. The lynching is a turning point in the play, it is shown as part of the story, and dramatically it is very effective.
The props are used very judiciously, with lighting and sound being spare, but effective. All round, a gripping drama, well worth seeing at Riverside Studios’ fabulous complex of theatres, cinema and eateries next to the river (glorious on a sunny day).
ASSATA TAUGHT ME by Kalungi Ssebandeke at Riverside Studios 12 – 24 May 2026
BOX OFFICE https://riversidestudios.co.uk/whats-on/mp-assata-taught-me/
Directed by Kalungi Ssebandeke
Cast
Susan Lawson-Reynolds: ASSATA SHAKUR
Ebenezer Gyau: FANUCO MACEO
Creative Team
Associate Producer: David Ajala's VP & CHAIRMAN
Associate Producer: Clarisse Makundul
Set and Costume Designer: Bolu Dairo
Lighting Designer: Chuma Emembolu
Sound Designer: Jose Guillermo Puello
Movement Director: Gabrielle Nimo
Voice and Dialect Coach: Aundrea Fudge
Cuban Cultural Consultant:LuandaPau
Stage Manager: Mel Fritz-Liu
