Charlotte County Florida Weekly

Martin Luther King’s last night dramatized in ‘The Mountaintop’


Emerald Rose Sullivan as Camae, left, and Abdul-Khaliq “A.K.” Murtadha as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s production of “The Mountaintop.” COURTESY PHOTO / VUTTI PHOTOGRAPHY

Emerald Rose Sullivan as Camae, left, and Abdul-Khaliq “A.K.” Murtadha as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s production of “The Mountaintop.” COURTESY PHOTO / VUTTI PHOTOGRAPHY

On the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is offering a powerful look at the man behind the public persona in a show written by Memphis native Katori Hall, “The Mountaintop.” This is the first production by WBTT to address the life and legacy of the civil rights icon.

Abdul-Khaliq “A.K.” Murtadha as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. COURTESY PHOTO / VUTTI PHOTOGRAPHY

Abdul-Khaliq “A.K.” Murtadha as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. COURTESY PHOTO / VUTTI PHOTOGRAPHY

In “The Mountaintop,” after giving a prophetic speech during the Memphis sanitation workers’ strike, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. returns to his hotel. He orders coffee from room service that is delivered by a mysterious woman with a much greater mission. With vivid theatrical imagination and powerful — often humorous — dialogue, Ms. Hall fictionalizes the last night of Dr. King’s life and gives us a window into his hopes, vulnerabilities and fears.

The title of the play comes from King’s “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech on April 3, 1968, where he seemed to envision his own death. Ms. Hall’s twocharacter drama explores the possibilities of Dr. King’s final night, in a fictional but intriguing way that has garnered praise both in England and here at home, where Samuel L. Jackson made his Broadway debut as Dr. King, starring with Angela Bassett.

 

 

“For all of us here at WBTT, the commemoration of Dr. King’s legacy is a significant occasion, and the memory of the day he was assassinated was particularly painful,” said WBTT founder and artistic director Nate Jacobs. “The mission of our organization is to promote and celebrate the African-American experience — and, certainly, there are few figures who have left such an indelible imprint on the course of American history than Dr. King. We hope this production will serve to properly honor his contributions and courage, particularly as our nation continues to struggle with racial inequality and discord.”

Performing in WBTT’s production are Abdul-Khaliq “A.K.” Murtadha and Emerald Rose Sullivan. Understudies are Brian L. Boyd and Ariel Blue. Returning to Sarasota to direct the production is Chuck Smith, who is a resident director at WBTT; he has previously directed “Knock Me A Kiss,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” and “The Piano Lesson.” Mr. Smith is resident director at the Goodman Theatre, where he has directed more than 20 productions and serves on the theatre’s Board of Trustees.

Production stage manager is Juanita Munford. Production manager is James E. Dodge II. Scenic design is by Michael Newton-Brown. Costume design is by Adrienne Pitts and Patricia Gregory. Lighting designer is Michael Pasquini. Fight coordinator is Dan Granke. Property master is Annette Breazeale. Technical director is Shane Streight.

The show, which is being supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, runs through Feb. 18. Performances are at 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, with 2 p.m. matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are $42 for adults, and $20 for students and active military (with valid ID). For tickets, call 366-1505 or visit www.westcoastblacktheatre.org.

As part of the NEA grant, there will be two free hearing-assisted performances: a special performance for children and youth at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, and then an all-ages performance at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24. These shows will feature American Sign Language interpretation by ASL interpreters. To reserve seats for these shows, call the box office or email boxoffice@westcoastblacktheatre.org. ¦

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *