Press "Enter" to skip to content

‘Mountaintop’ pays tribute to King

Seniors Aris-Allen Roberson and Kiayla Jackson pose as Martin Luther King Jr. and Camae in a dress rehearsal for the civil rights theatre production of ‘Mountaintop.’ Photo by Duane Zehr
Seniors Aris-Allen Roberson and Kiayla Jackson pose as Martin Luther King Jr. and Camae in a dress rehearsal for the civil rights theatre production of ‘Mountaintop.’ Photo by Duane Zehr

On April 3, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his ‘I’ve Been to the Mountaintop’ speech in Memphis, Tennessee. Upon returning to his motel room, King found himself in conversation with a room service delivery woman.

Played by senior theater arts major Aris-Allen Roberson, King is confronted with his past and questioned about his future by Camae, played by senior theater arts major Kiayla Jackson.

“First and foremost, I believe we are both very honored to do this show, and I was a little nervous coming in,” Roberson said. “Dr. Martin Luther King, everybody knows who he is, but after rehearsing and working with Director Susan Felder, it all came so naturally.”

Jackson said she agrees with Roberson’s feelings.

“I love my character,” Jackson said. “She kind of represents how people were feeling at that time.”

According to Jackson, during this time in history, views on how to advocate for black rights were changing and many people were stepping away from King’s peaceful views.

“People were starting to be more radical,” she said. “I think Camae represents that and juxtaposes King.”

Although the play is set in one room with just two characters, Roberson said it was one of the most engaging plays he’s been a part of.

“Everything is so real about this play and relevant today,” he said. “I don’t think anyone can go through this play without having any type of passion.”

“The Mountaintop” not only offered new challenges to the cast, but was also a directorial debut of the theater department’s newest faculty member, Susan Felder.

Jackson said the department originally picked a different play, but after the events of Ferguson, Felder decided “The Mountaintop” was more appropriate and relatable.

“[‘The Mountaintop’] is a roller coaster,” Jackson said. “It will make you laugh; it will make you cry. It’ll make you want to do something different that you haven’t been doing before.”

The show will be performed Feb. 19-21 and Feb. 26-28 at 8 p.m. in Hartmann Center, with Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $14 for adults, $7 for students, $5 for freshmen and $12 for Bradley faculty, staff and seniors (62+).

For tickets or more information, call 309-677-2650.

Copyright © 2023, The Scout, Bradley University. All rights reserved.
The Scout is published by members of the student body of Bradley University. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the University.