The director of a musical that depicts the confrontation between a faction of fascists and residents of a predominantly Jewish neighborhood in East London believes it is essential for young people to learn about this significant historical moment.

Adam Lenson, the director of *Cable Street*, a play that delves into the struggle between Oswald Mosley’s British Union of Fascists (BUF) and an array of Jewish, Irish, communist Londoners, along with many East End residents who thwarted Mosley’s march in October 1936, emphasized the importance of the story.

“This narrative transcends generations and is a crucial element of London’s past. I would be thrilled for schools and youth to experience this production,” Lenson remarked.

He also pointed out that the play serves as a catalyst for discussions among families.

“My own education in London offered limited insights into its history,” he shared. “I believe this production sheds light on a version of London that many of us may not be fully aware of.”

The clash occurred on October 4, 1936.

Mosley, an erstwhile MP for both the Conservative and Labour parties, established the BUF in 1932, drawing inspiration and financial backing from Germany’s Nazi Party under Adolf Hitler and Italy’s fascist leader, Benito Mussolini.

The BUF projected a militaristic image and earned the nickname Blackshirts due to their uniforms.

On that day, Mosley was slated to address a gathering at Shoreditch Town Hall to rally support for his extreme-right ideology.

He intended to march his Blackshirts through an area largely inhabited by Jewish residents, aiming to assert his dominance.

In response, thousands of Jewish and Irish individuals, along with various immigrant communities, assembled to block their advance, leading to what is known as the Battle of Cable Street.

Approximately 175 people sustained injuries, and around 150 demonstrators were detained during the event.

Yoav Segal, the set designer for the musical, has a personal link to this history, as his grandfather participated in the battle as a 19-year-old.

Segal recounted, “My grandfather, Ubby Cowan, was a member of the Jewish Tailors’ Union and in 1936, he became part of the committee organizing a demonstration against Mosley. During the Battle of Cable Street, he acted as a runner, moving between different areas to help coordinate the day.”

Ubby Cowan passed away in 2016 at the age of 99. Segal expressed that staging the play in London carries great significance for his family.

“My grandfather fully grasped the importance of standing up to fascism,” he said. “Seeing this narrative performed in a proper London theater is extraordinary, and being part of it is deeply emotional and very meaningful for me and my family.”

Segal highlighted that the Battle of Cable Street remains pertinent for contemporary audiences.

“We are currently facing a period where far-right ideologies and potentially fascism are resurging globally and hate speech is becoming more prevalent,” he stated.

Lenson expressed hopes that the past could impart valuable lessons.

“My wish is for audiences to recognize that while this occurred in the past, similar issues are resurfacing today,” he told BBC London. “I hope it fosters a sense of commonality among people and encourages them to be more considerate of their neighbors and communities. I aspire for it to empower individuals to speak out and take action, rather than feeling pressured to remain silent.”

*Cabel Street* is being performed at the Marylebone Theatre until February 28.