Humanity behind the history: 'The Mountaintop' explores Martin Luther King's final hours

Titusville Playhouse is ready to transport its audience to the heart of history with Katori Hall's powerful drama "The Mountaintop." The play, a poignant exploration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s final hours, opens at the playhouse's Shuler Stage on Friday, Feb. 23 for a two-weekend run through March 3.

"The Mountaintop" offers a fictionalized account of King's final night at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis before his assassination on April 4, 1968, providing a glimpse into the private moments and inner struggles of the civil rights leader. The play takes on themes of legacy, mortality and the ongoing struggle for social justice.

Director Kenney Green-Tilford believes "The Mountaintop" will resonate with audiences.

"This play will make you stop and think while laughing," he said. "You definitely leave the piece wanting to talk about it. Everyone of every gender, race, creed can find themselves in the play."

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At the center of the production are the two actors who bring King and the enigmatic maid, Camae, to life. Played by Kyle Javon and Shania Mundy, these characters show the humanity behind the historical figures, allowing audiences to connect with them on a personal level.

"Shania Munday is a force," Green-Tilford said. "She takes on the role of Camae with the power of Mother Nature herself. Care, vulnerability, and the strength of Atlas."

"Kyle Javon has poured himself into not an imitation of Dr. King but an homage, thereby allowing us to see Dr. King in personal and intimate light."

The play explores King's vulnerabilities and doubts, presenting him not as a flawless hero, but as a complex and relatable human being. As he grapples with the weight of his responsibilities and the uncertainty of the future, audiences get a glimpse into the mind of a man who would become one of the most influential figures in history.

But "The Mountaintop" isn't just a play about King. It's also a celebration of the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Through Camae's interactions with King, we see how ordinary people can have an impact on the world around them. It's a reminder that each of us has the power to make a difference, no matter how small our actions may seem.

"It’s a universal story that can be told as long as the world revolves," Green-Tilford said. "We find ourselves, across the globe, in turmoil and pain. The Earth needs healing and kindness, and compassion is a powerful medicine. We just need to be reminded every now and then."

These days, when big-budget spectacles tend to dominate the entertainment landscape, there is something special about the intimacy and authenticity of local theater. This upcoming production of "The Mountaintop" promises to deliver an experience that's both thought-provoking and moving, reminding us of the enduring relevance of King's message of equality and justice.

If you go

'The Mountaintop'

Where: Titusville Playhouse's Shuler Stage, 316 S. Palm Ave., Titusville

When: Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. through March 3

Tickets: $35

Info: 321-268-1125

Website: titusvilleplayhouse.com

Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TGIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune or send her an email at [email protected].

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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: 'The Mountaintop' at Titusville Playhouse considers MLK's legacy