David Ajala's production company VP & Chairman joins as Associate Producer for the 'Assata Taught Me' revival.
The play, written and directed by Kalungi Ssebandeke, runs from May 12-24 at London's Riverside Studios.
The production explores the life and legacy of activist Assata Shakur, aligning with current discourses on racial justice.
This move signifies Ajala's strategic expansion into producing culturally resonant theatre projects.
📖 Full Retelling
Actor David Ajala's production company, VP & Chairman, has joined the London revival of the play 'Assata Taught Me' as an Associate Producer, with the production scheduled to run from May 12th to 24th at Riverside Studios in London. The move represents a significant step for Ajala's burgeoning production outfit and provides crucial support for the timely theatrical revival, which explores themes of Black liberation and political resistance.
The stage production, written and directed by Kalungi Ssebandeke, is a revival that delves into the life and legacy of Assata Shakur, the former Black Liberation Army member and activist. Ssebandeke, known for his work on 'Meetings' by Mustapha Matura, brings a distinct perspective to this politically charged narrative. The involvement of VP & Chairman adds industry weight and resources to the project, alongside fellow Associate Producer Clarisse Makundul, whose credits include 'Under the Kundè Tree', creating a collaborative production team dedicated to bringing this story to the stage.
This revival arrives during a period of renewed global discourse on racial justice, systemic inequality, and the representation of Black historical figures in the arts. The partnership highlights a growing trend of actors establishing their own production ventures to champion specific narratives and gain creative control. For David Ajala, known for his roles in 'Star Trek: Discovery' and 'Supergirl', this marks a strategic expansion of VP & Chairman's portfolio into meaningful, culturally resonant theatre, aligning the company with projects that have both artistic merit and social relevance.
The production's limited run at the prominent Riverside Studios venue is poised to attract audiences interested in politically engaged theatre. The combined creative forces behind 'Assata Taught Me' suggest a production focused on powerful storytelling, aiming to educate and provoke discussion about a complex chapter in history and its enduring impact on contemporary society.
🏷️ Themes
Arts Production, Cultural Revival, Social Commentary
David Ajala (born 21 May 1986) is an English actor. On television, he is known for his roles in the CW series Supergirl (2018–2019), the Syfy series Nightflyers (2018), the CBS and Paramount+ series Star Trek: Discovery (2020–2024), and the NBC series Law & Order (2025–). His films include Starred U...
Arts centre and television studios in Hammersmith, London, England
Riverside Studios is an arts centre on the north bank of the River Thames in Hammersmith, London, England. The venue plays host to contemporary performance, film, visual art exhibitions and television production.
Having opened in May 1976 (1976-05), the original building closed for redevelopment in ...
EXCLUSIVE: David Ajala’s production outfit VP & Chairman has joined the London revival of Assata Taught Me as Associate Producer. Written and directed by Kalungi Ssebandeke (Meetings by Mustapha Matura), the production will run from May 12-24 at London’s Riverside Studios. Clarisse Makundul (Under the Kundè Tree) is also an Associate Producer on the production. […]
