What is it like to take on the persona of America’s most well-known champion for civil rights? Or to present a story that highlights not only his heroism, but also his very human fears and flaws? In February of 2023, Dr. Quincy Thomas, Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts at Kalamazoo College, took on this challenge with a talented two-person cast, staging Katori Hall’s The Mountaintop in the college’s Festival Playhouse. Hall’s play serves as a dramatic reimagining of the final night of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life in Memphis’ now-infamous Lorraine Hotel. Jared Pittman (Kalamazoo College Class of 2020) assumed the weighty role of Dr. King, while Milan Levy (Class of 2023) played the enigmatic Camae, a fictional character who prepares King for his final transition.
During this ARTbreak, the artists look back on the project a year later, reflecting on this unique opportunity to tell an intimate and deeply personal story about a leader whose life’s work altered the course of history.
This is a hybrid event. To view the live stream, visit our YouTube page.