Explore the Heart of The King Plays and Its Inspiring Vision
Dive into the essence of The King Plays, where we honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy through storytelling that challenges and inspires. Holding up a mirror to the reality of society vs. the dreams we held.
Every year on the holiday celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I write a short play, poem or a song. These plays revisit some of the philosophies, teachings and the speeches of Dr. King during his tragically short lifetime. However, my intention in writing them is to examine where we are as a society during the year in which the play was written in contrast to the dreams and ideas of the Civil Rights Movement. How far have we come? Have we gone backwards? Where are we within the idea of equality? They are focused on individual characters and how those themes play out in crucial moments in their lives. Of course, this is all through the perspective of one playwright.
All of these plays have had either productions/readings for the public. The run times vary between fifteen and thirty minutes and usually have a cast size of two up to four. If you’d like more information for your theatre, university or class, please feel free to reach out to me through the contact form.
THE BROTHERHOOD
“The Brotherhood” is an award winning short play with previous productions and readings in AZ and various NY state locations, which was adapted into an award winning short film produced by SoReel Productions, written and directed by Renee´ Flemings. “The Brotherhood” is about two brothers who struggle to come to terms with the loss of their youngest brother. One of them finds himself facing a life altering decision. A two character one-act play with an approximate run time of fifteen minutes.
CRITICAL MASS
“Critical Mass” is centered around two fraternal twins, a brother and a sister who find themselves having to constantly contend with the boss’ son as they work in a local grocery while navigating his overt racism, so they can remain employed. On this day he insists that with the election of President Obama things have reached a critical mass and it is time for him and his “friends” to do something about it. Will he win again or will the twins figure out how to overcome the critical mass of the situation while maintaining their dignity? A four character, one-act play with an approximate run time of twenty minutes.
SUNSET
“Sunset” takes place in Louisville, KY on the front porch of the home of Magalee during the aftermath of a violent incident. Magalee contends with and comforts her elderly father, Andrew, as they both navigate loss and seek comfort considering the past while looking towards the future. A two character, one-act play with an approximate run time of twenty minutes.
Moonpies and Mallomars
“SCARS”
“Scars” takes place in the small town of Clayton, Alabama. Ted Winters often visits Miss Anna Mae to chat with her on the front porch of her home. On this day the visit takes a turn for the unexpected as he meets her daughter, Eula, for the very first time. The encounter forces them both to confront the past and its varied impact on them. A two character, one-act play with an approximate run time of fifteen minutes.
MOON PIES AND MALLOMARS: Marvelle arrives at the home of her elderly, recently widowed father, Marvin, for their usual election day routine. However, what she discovers is completely unexpected and unusual. A three character, one-act play with an approximate run time of eighteen minutes.
In “The Box” two friends, Danny and Matthias, wake up feeling disoriented to discover themselves in a strange place. How did they get there? More importantly, why are they there? It is the future, (or it was when this play was written). They have so many questions, no answers and so much fear. They discover another person, Lewis, the information he shares rattles them to their bones. Can they all survive “The Box”? A three character, one-act play with an approximate run time of eighteen minutes.
“Pi(e)” takes place in New York City . Edgar comes home to discover his wife Marcia (Mar-see-ah) acting very strangely. Of course it is March 14th, but what does that have to do with Marcia’s sudden obsession for everything pie? A two character, one-act play with an approximate run time of eighteen minutes.