A hard-hitting play based on a controversial General Election and the famous visit of American civil rights leader Malcolm X to Smethwick is part of Black History Month in Sandwell.
In association with Black Country Touring, there will be two opportunities to see the new play called ‘Marshall Street’.
It is based around the controversial 1964 General Election campaign and Malcolm X’s assassination just nine days later.
‘Marshall Street’ asks people to reflect upon this explosive moment in our recent history.
The play is to be performed at Thimblemill Library on Thursday 26 September at 8pm and Smethwick Library on Saturday 5 October at 2pm.
Tickets can be booked in person from the venues or by emailing Thimblemill_Library@sandwell.gov.uk or calling 0121 569 4943 or emailing Smethwick_Library@sandwell.gov.uk or calling 0121 569 4940.
Both performances are free to attend, but are operating a ‘pay what you feel’ policy after the performance.
Meanwhile Central Library in West Bromwich is to host the new play by Robin French (BBC3’s Cuckoo). ‘Rebel Music’ is set in the summer of 1976 with the country in economic turmoil and the National Front on the march.
Three young music fans join the fight for the soul of working class Britain, against a backdrop of people-power and cultures uniting in the music of punk, reggae and 2 Tone.
The performance is on Wednesday 9 October at 7pm. Tickets are £3 in advance or £5 on the door. They can be booked in advance in person at the venue, by emailing Central_Library@sandwell.gov.uk or by ringing 0121 569 4904.
As well as these performances, there will be an exhibition of material relating to black history at Community History and Archives Service at Smethwick Library as well as at Blackheath Library, Oldbury Library, Tipton Library, Wednesbury Library and Central Library West Bromwich.
Councillor Bob Lloyd, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for arts and libraries, said: “Black History Month has become an important part of the year and I am pleased that the controversial history surrounding the Smethwick election and the visit of Malcolm X are being remembered.
“It is good too that there will be exhibitions of black history available at local libraries for people to see information about our community history in this important area of life.”
