A PLAY marking Black History Month is coming to Reading as part of a national tour.
Show Racism the Red Card, an educational anti-racism charity, has commissioned a new musical drama as part of a campaign to redress injustices dating back to the World War One.
Our Little Hour tells the story of Walter Tull, the grandson of a Barbadian slave, who became an orphan at the age of 8.
He became not only the first black footballer to play in the highest domestic UK leagues before becoming the first man of his heritage to be commissioned as an officer in the British Army.
This also meant that he was the first Black British military officer to lead his men into combat, when he led his platoon across the freezing Piave River as part of a raid on enemy lines.
He returned with all 26 of his men unharmed, for which he received a citation for “gallantry and coolness under fire and a recommendation for The Military Cross by his commanding officer.
Despite his momentous achievements, successive British governments failed to acknowledge his contributions to British history.
Tull was killed just weeks before the conclusion of World War Two and to date is still yet to receive the posthumous award.
It was this injustice that playwright Dougie Blaxland says motivated him to write the work.
The production includes 18 new original musical pieces composed by Chris Anthony as part of its aim to strengthen to campaign to address the lack of recognition of Tull’s legacy.
Dougie Blaxland said that the productions is: “A celebration of the life of an extraordinary man whose pioneering spirit continues to inspire the campaign for justice and equality.
“It is also deeply fitting that the production which will be staged throughout Black History Month will end its run in Northampton – where both the town and its great football club took Walter Tull to their heart and continue to honour his memory.”
Our Little Hour will be touring venues around the UK, including a show at Reading’s South Street Arts Centre on Tuesday, October 29.
Full details about the production are available via: theredcard.org/news/our-little-hour-get-your-tickets/
