“We knew Martin was special, but we didn’t know
how special. I guess you can’t see a prophet
when you’re standing in his shadow.”
M.L.K.
Full-length · 2 men, 2 women
M.L.K. portrays the personal side of Dr. King, exploring his spirituality and commitment to nonviolence, as well as his doubts, insecurities, and infidelities. The play traces his development through a combination of monologues by his wife and parents, sermons he preaches, and portrayals of key events such as the Montgomery bus boycott and the campaign to desegregate Birmingham.
Though Dr. King is the main character, the play is called M.L.K. because it is about both Dr. King and his father, Martin Luther King, Sr., who was known as Daddy King. Daddy King was a remarkable man in his own right, and he opens and closes the play with monologues. Along the way, we hear about incidents in his early life and his struggles against overwhelming challenges. In fact, one of the themes of this piece is that of endurance, showing how the King family overcame a multitude of barriers and endured devastating tragedies without becoming bitter.
We see how Martin, Jr., relied on his wife, Coretta, to be the foundation of his world, and how that relationship was rocked by the demands of Martin’s involvement in civil rights and his unfaithfulness. We see Mama King as Martin’s confidant and support as he faced one struggle after another. Finally, we see father and son as they work together, clash, and argue, but through it all maintain their admiration and love for each other.
The script is the result of extensive research and though the dialogue is invented, the incidents and family history mentioned in the play are based on fact.
FULL-LENGTH DRAMAS
MUSICALS
ONE-ACT PLAYS
SHORT PLAYS