BBC4 drama tells story of Britain’s first black officer
Monday, September 22nd, 2008
BBC4 has commissioned a four-part drama based on the life of the first black officer to lead British troops during the first world war.
The drama is one of a series of BBC programmes commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Armistice, which marked the end of the first world war. Written by actor and award-winning playwright Kwame Kwei-Armah (Elmina’s Kitchen), Walter’s War explores the life of Walter Tull who, as an officer in the British Army, faced not only the horrors of the first world war, but also prejudice from his own side concerning his skin colour. OT Fagbenle, who has appeared in Doctor Who and the Anthony Minghella feature film Breaking And Entering, will take the leading role.
Fagbenle will be joined by Ewan Stewart as Sergeant Fuller and Dugald Bruce-Lockhart as fellow soldier Captain Coombe.
The film will focus on Tull’s service on the front line, as he recovers from trench fever before undergoing officer training, in spite of the bigotry of those in higher ranks.
Before the first world war, Tull was also one of Britain’s first black footballers to play professionally, competing for Tottenham Hotspur and Northampton. He was killed at the second battle of the Somme in 1918 at the age of 29.
“I wanted to give a voice to a forgotten hero,” said Kwei-Armah. “To help present the achievements of this great man to a new generation makes this project one of the most important I have worked on to date.”
The producer is Ruth Caleb whose previous achievements include Last Resort, Bullet Boy, Learners and Red Dust.
BBC4 controller Janice Hadlow said “Walter’s War continues BBC Four’s established tradition of bringing viewers’ intelligent and stimulating dramas about fascinating subjects.”
The first episode will be broadcast on Remembrance Day in November.
