When Malcolm met Martin
http://www.voice-online.co.uk/content.php?show=18259
12 October 2010
Could the course of black history been very different if Malcolm X
had Martin Luther King had met to discuss their ideologies?
IN an imaginative play from writer Jeff Stetson, audiences are
invited to witness a fictional encounter between two icons: Malcolm X
and Martin Luther King.
Days before his brutal assassination in 1965, Malcolm X has returned
to America from a successful trip to England. But tonight, separated
from his family and with a death warrant on his head, he risks the
scorn of his followers to meet with the man whose philosophy he has
so fiercely opposed: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Directed by Chuck Mike, The Meeting probes what would have happened
between Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X if they had met before
they died, only three years apart in the highly charged decade of the
1960's. The play takes place in the St Theresa Hotel in Harlem, where
Malcolm is in hiding with his bodyguard after his home has been
bombed; King joins him for a secret meeting where they engage in a
heated debate about the change that is needed in America and in the
world. The tension is modulated by humour and wit as the two icons
share their ideas, aspirations and even arm wrestle!
Here, Chuck Mike tells us more about the production.
How do you describe The Meeting?
At a glance, it is about a fictional encounter between Malcolm X and
Martin Luther King Jr. in which they attempt to find common ground in
their distinctively different approaches to civil rights. More deeply
however, it is a call to all of us that dialogue is key to
perpetuating mutual understanding, no matter how hard that dialogue
may seem. The message also seems to be that we all have the power to
bring about change, no matter how small the effort.
Who would win an arm wrestle between Martin Luther King and Malcolm X?
It would be a stalemate, as each would have infinite will to succeed.
It would probably be better that they pushed in the same direction…
then the opposition would really have something to worry about!
Why should audiences come to see the play?
Because the issues raised are about them that is, everyone. Civil
rights, equality, human rights these are issues that affect us all.
The struggle of people in Britain to actualise these rights has not
ceased. Marginalised people are impacted where health care, housing
and economic benefits are concerned. Discrimination against women in
the work force, LGBTs and people of colour should concern everyone.
Those who see the play will also have fun. There is an interactive
exhibition in the foyer, which enables audience members to be a part
of the action prior to the curtain going up. Apart from this total
theatrical experience, the jackpot is seeing Cornell S John (who
plays Malcolm X) and Ray Shell (Martin Luther King Jr.) kick ass!
They really blow the stage to bits.
You seem to enjoy debates in the arts. What are you hoping to achieve
with this play?
The satisfaction that somewhere, somehow people will benefit from a
healthy exchange of knowledge and perhaps the world will become just
a little bit better. The arts are a part of our society, where we get
to explore humanity but we need to represent the humanity of all,
not just a certain section of society. As we've interviewed people
here in Britain about this play, we've learned what an impact King
and X have had on people's lives here. We've also learned that the
dialogue about discrimination and equality often lurks in the
shadows. We want audiences to break the silence, to feel that they
can and should have their voices heard and start to stamp out racism,
classism, sexism, homophobia and inequality of all kinds.
Who will the play appeal to?
Any human being that has ever desired anything with a passion. So
that's pretty much all of us. Each individual in the play is in
pursuit of a dream to bring about something better around us. These
were the passions of King and X, and we want audiences to walk away
with a sense that they, too, can help create a better world.
What are your hopes for the future?
Simply to settle back home in Nigeria and nurture younger
practitioners while continuing to connect people everywhere
positively thought theatre. I'd like to do this in a farm-like
environment where we cultivate the land and the youth. A looming
wish, however is that the world eventually gets to the place where
there will be no reason to do plays which pose questions about man's
inhumanity to man. But then that would be utopia… sounds boring, innit?
The Meeting is at Pleasance Theatre Islington, 5 Carpenters Mews,
North Road, London N7 until October 30. Call 020 7609 1800 or visit
www.pleasance.co.uk
.
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