On Sept. 20, 2024, the Spelman College Theatre Department created an unforgettable experience by taking students from both Spelman and Morehouse Colleges to the Alliance Theatre to witness 'The Mountaintop', a play by Katori Hall, directed by Tinashe Kajese-Bolden. This collaboration not only highlighted the rich legacy of civil rights but also fostered dialogue and connection among students.
'The Mountaintop' offers a gripping reimagining of the events that unfolded on the night before Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Set in Room 306 of the Lorraine Motel on April 3, 1968, the play captures Dr. King’s exhaustion and vulnerability after delivering one of his most iconic speeches. The arrival of Camae, a mysterious young woman delivering room service, sets the stage for a transformative encounter filled with humor and introspection, according to The Alliance Theater.
As the lights dimmed and the performance began, the audience was immediately drawn into the intimate world of Dr. King and Camae. The chemistry between the actors was electric, and their conversations seamlessly shifted from laughter to deep reflections on their dreams and fears. Students found themselves captivated by the raw emotions on display, recognizing the timeless relevance of Dr. King’s struggles and aspirations.
Taahir Abdul Basit, a Morehouse College student, theater and performance sophomore, said, “I enjoyed 'The Mountaintop' play. I really enjoyed the design of the set, I found the incorporation of projected effects and images very engaging. Also the sound effects were perfect. What I overall got from the play is that Martin was flirting with death with his engagement to social justice. Death was represented by a pretty maid named Camay who later told Martin while she was there.”
After the performance, the experience took an exciting turn. Students had the unique opportunity to engage in a 1-on-1 chat with the cast and stage manager. This interactive session allowed them to dive deeper into the themes of the play, ask questions about the creative process, and gain insights into the challenges of bringing such a significant historical figure to life on stage.
This collaborative outing emphasized the importance of the arts in understanding social justice and history. The discussions that followed the performance illuminated the students' shared commitment to carry forward the legacy of Dr. King, inspiring them to engage in their communities actively.
Taylor Mills, A junior theater and performance major, said, “Katori Hall is an amazing playwright! She wrote this play so that we could see another side to the legendary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. life . It’s definitely a historical play and I recommend other students to see it!”
The play first premiered in London in 2009.