Search

Saved articles

You have not yet added any article to your bookmarks!

Browse articles

GDPR Compliance

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.

Dream of a King

 
Richard Beck Review by Richard Beck 4 Published: 9 Aug 2019 theSpaceTriplex Show Dates: 2 Aug 2019-24 Aug 2019

Actor/writer Christopher Tajah of Resistance Theatre Company gives an impassioned performance in Dream Of A King at theSpace Triplex, as he reimagines the hours leading up to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.

Heart-felt and full of missionary zeal.

The action is set in Room 306 of the Lorraine Motel, Memphis, a respectable place that catered specifically for black clients. King arrived there on 29th March 1968, in support of black public works employees who were on strike for equal wages and better conditions. A bomb threat had delayed his flight, and the famous "I've been to the mountain top" speech he gave at Mason Temple. On 3rd April, he revealed the increasing concern he had for his safety. At 6.01pm on 4th April, while standing on a balcony, he was fatally shot by James Earl Ray.

The story is so well known that Tajah can clearly offer no surprises on that front. Although the telephone conversation about King’s extra-marital affair perhaps provides a revelatory element of human weakness and fallibility to the preacher, amidst all his virtue. Instead, it is the telling of the story, through reminiscences and extracts from the speeches, that make this an engaging performance and a reminder of the great struggle King and his movement were involved in to secure civil rights. It’s a forceful display that sometimes turns up the volume for too long, but there is no doubting the emotional attachment to everything he says. The scene is set and further enhanced by Tajah’s sister Paulette’s live singing.

Dream Of A King is a worthy contribution to the many tributes that have been paid to this great leader. Tajah’s performance is heart-felt and full of missionary zeal.

Related to this article:

Location:

Performances

The Blurb:

4th April 1968. Four years after receiving the Nobel Peace Prize for his dynamic leadership of The Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King was assassinated. Set the night of his shooting in a Tennessee motel room, this new solo play explores the extraordinary man behind the legend. 'The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy' (Martin Luther King Jr). Written and performed by Christopher Tajah. Songs sung by Paulette Tajah. Director: Bernie C Byrnes. Image: Remy Hunter Photography.