The Mountaintop, Curve Leicester Review
(L-R) Justina Kehinde (Camae) and Ray Strasser-King (Dr. Martin Luther King) in The Mountaintop. Photography by Ellie Kurttz (2) (1)
Written by Hollie for Theatre and Tonic.
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review. All opinions are our own.
Caution: This production contains some moderate strong language, flashing lights, adult themes and racially sensitive language.
This Made at Curve production directed by Nathan Powell, is a thought-provoking and timely piece of theatre adapted from writer Katori Hall’s work. Set in 1968, at the Lorraine motel where preacher Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. resides after his triumphant ‘I’ve been to the Mountaintop’ speech, this production is authentic, happy and humorous whilst covering some difficult themes and experiences.
This production is a timely stage adaptation which explores many hard-hitting themes, but also relates to the world as it is today with war, riots and political issues still taking place.
The production focuses on the actor’s talents and portrayal of the story, with a stripped back set which depicts the scene in the American motel. The show opens with rain pouring down, and flashes of lightning during a particularly stormy night in Memphis. Dr. Martin Luther King, played by Ray Strasser-King, is rehearsing his next speech in his motel room, when he is astonished to find out that room service doesn’t exist at that time of night. With a coffee and some Pall Malls the preacher is able to practise his speech. Ray portrays a jubilant and likable character who is authentic to the leader that he is playing.
A lot of the story is told through the actor’s actions as well as via their dialogue. The setting of Curve’s Studio theatre allows for a more intimate and immersive experience where the sounds and smells of the time are explored.
Director Nathan Powell uses a range of artistic techniques such as foreshadowing, to tell this story which is part fact and part fiction.
With the introduction of Camae as the motel’s maid, the audience are provided with the opportunity to understand the different perspectives of the two characters, and how these change throughout the stormy evening. Dr Martin Luther King Jr., understands that he is the only voice that people will listen to. Camae tells him what she would do if she was in his position and as he listens, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. states that ‘most maids don’t sound like professors.’ Justina Kehinde, who plays Camae, provides charisma and confidence to her role and the two actors work well together to bring energy and a rawness to their roles.
Martin Luther King Jr. became the voice for Americans across the country in his role as a Civil Rights leader. He was thrust into prominence as a result of his actions and leadership as part of the Montgomery Bus Boycott which first started with Rosa Parks. Due to his role in the boycott, this transformed King into a national figure and the best known spokesperson of the Civil Rights movement.
As a primary school teacher in Leicester, we have been learning about Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King recently in our History lessons. It was great to see how the life of this significant individual was brought to the stage, and I was able to learn more about the history surrounding the Civil Rights movement in America. I can see how this production would be a perfect show to watch with History or Politics students from our local schools.
In the second half of the show, the accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King are explored, whilst the trials and tribulations that he had to endure are discussed. The use of foreshadowing is clever in this production as the audience already knows what happens to him in the future. His actions still have a lasting impact in today’s society and the baton has now been passed on to many other significant individuals throughout History.
The Studio Theatre wasn’t full and this production deserves a much bigger crowd. People listened to Martin Luther King Jr. like they used to listen to the Beatles. This production needs to be seen and heard by as many people as possible.
The Mountaintop is the first production of Curve’s Black History Month programme which begins next week, and includes the productions ‘Better Together Windrush Showcase,’ ‘Run Rebel’ and ‘No Direction Home.’
The Mountaintop continues its run at Curve until Saturday 5th October, before it continues at MAST Theatre in Southampton and concludes at Theatre Royal Stratford East in London.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
