Hi there,

My name is Kalungi Ssebandeke. I'm an actor/writer/director/producer. In 2017 I wrote my debut play Assata Taught Me . It was inspired by The FBI's Most Wanted Woman, Assata Shakur who managed to escape US prison and end up in Cuba where she lived for over 40 years before her passing in 2025.

Set in 2016 I fictionalised a friendship between her and Fanuco a young Cuban man desperate to live the American Dream. What will he do when he finds out that his new mentor has $2m on her head?

Our incredible cast includes Susan Lawson-Reynolds whose credits include BBC's Three Little Birds; Ebenezer Gyau who played Bukayo Saka in National Theatre's Dear England. Check them out below.

Having been described as "gripping" by The Guardian and "Pulse-Quickening" by WhatsonStage in their 4 star review, this play now returns but with me behind the wheel as director and producer.

We've secured support by BAFTA Nominated Actor Cyril Nri and Law & Order Actor David Ajala's VP & CHAIRMAN as Associate Producer. Not to mention a few other generous donors and supporters(To Be Announced).

David Ajala.

Cyril Nri

We even made international news with an announcement via Deadline that you can read by clicking the link here

Sadly staging new work—or reviving vital stories—often feels like a privilege reserved for those with significant resources. Despite that reality, my team and I are deeply committed to bringing back Assata Taught Me, which premiered to sold‑out audiences at The Gate Theatre and received award nominations across all creative departments.

For this revival at Riverside Studios from 12–24 May 2026, I will be directing Susan Lawson‑Reynolds(BBC's Three Little Birds), an extraordinary and highly respected veteran of stage and screen, in the role of Assata Shakur: activist, author, and once The FBI’s Most Wanted Woman. Opposite her will be Ebenezer Gyau, one of the most compelling emerging talents working today. Since graduating from Guildhall, Ebenezer has portrayed Bukayo Saka in the National Theatre’s Dear England (directed by Rupert Goold) and most recently starred in the Disney+ series Suspect.

As is common for first‑time applicants, our ACE funding request was not successful, and so we are reaching to YOU to support this vital and urgent revival.

For this 6 week process(4 weeks of rehearsals plus 2 week initial run), I have budgeted £30,000.

Budget Breakdown

Production:£25,106

Marketing: £5,094

Poster/Trailer(Spent): £825

Press Night: £1094

Rehearsal/Production Shots: £500

Online/Print Marketing: £2000

Contingency: £475

We have been given inkind support in the form of week long rehearsal space and are currently in negotiations to secure rehearsal space for remaining 3 weeks. This is evidence of the generosity many in our network have exhibited. Which is why I'm confident we can raise the money needed to bring back this "Potent and Provocative play as described by EbonyOnline.

Currently via private investors and generous donors we have raised

£15,000.

But as you can see we need an additional £15,000. This will guarantee that all creatives are paid along with productions costs and marketing to ensure the successful run of the show. Please Note: Gofundme has automated our goal to help us better reach out target. So please do continue to donate till we reach our £15k goal.

Most of my team has agreed to receive their pay after the box office income is collated. And I have no doubt that the show will hit its sales target. However out of principle, I would like to guarantee their payment and your support will help towards that.

I have benefited greatly from the power of Assata's words. It's what drew me to writing a play about her. And with YOUR support over 2000 audiences young and old will get to be inspired by her story.

Thank you.