PRODUCTION INFORMATION
Stetson’s play imagines a secret meeting between Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X, exploring the opposing views of these two great Black leaders. One man sees an advance to freedom through revolutionary active struggle, using violence if necessary, the other is dedicated to non-violent means and peaceful demonstration.
The Meeting engages in a debate about revolution, change and freedom that remains as relevant now as the day it was written. As playwright, Jeff Stetson observes: “At its heart, the play is about the power of love to overcome these obstacles that deny us the ability to empathise with those who are different and yet share the same dreams and experience the same pain.”
Red Stitch’s production delivers a physically charged contemporary reimagining of Stetson’s story, honouring these iconic men and their work, whilst embracing the universality of their rhetoric.
Since it was written 35 years ago, The Meeting by Jeff Stetson has been produced in all 50 states of America as well as over a dozen countries internationally. Stetson states: “I believe its fundamental power is that it transcends countries or racial/ethnic demographics and underscores that the desire for basic dignity and the quest to overcome hatred or violence or inhumanity remains a universal goal.”
“An exciting and provocative play, an unforgettable evening of drama.”
- NY Post -
CAST & CREATIVES
Writer Jeff Stetson
Director Tanya Gerstle
Set & Costume Design Peter Mumford
Lighting Design Richard Vabre
Sound Design Justin Gardam
Stage Manager Caitie Murphy
Asst. Stage Manager Brigette Jennings
Cast
Christopher Kirby
Dushan Philips
Akhilesh Jain
DATES & TICKETS
Previews 27 - 30 Sept | Season 1 - 23 Oct
Wed - Sat 8pm
Sun 6.30pm
Sat Matinee 2pm
Tue 27 Sept – Fri 30 Sept $25
Sun 2 – Sun 23 Oct $15 - $57
“The play is carried along not only by the depth of the themes but how profoundly the actors inhabit their characters.”
★★★★★
- Arts Hub -
"Dushan Phillips and Christopher Kirby’s performances are currently sitting at the peak of a year of outstanding performances."
"The kind of work they’re delivering on the Red Stitch stage is an insurmountable gift for theatre lovers."
★★★★
- Theatre Matters -
"The Meeting is a must-see…"
"Tanya Gerstle’s production is taut and compelling…”
"…every word, argument, action and disagreement brings these two leaders vividly to life." ★★★★1/2
- Kate Herbert -
"Christopher Kirby’s own charisma fill not just the stage but the theatre itself."
"Dushan Philips gives us Luther King’s quiet but intense dignity…"
- Stage Whispers -
"Director Tanya Gerstle has excelled in all elements"
"a wonderfully paced play"
"Phillips and Kirby as Dr King Jr and Malcom X respectively are captivating."
- Theatre Press -
"Kirby’s turn as Malcolm X is magnetic." "Philips’ is thoroughly compelling…"
"…an absolute must-see…”
- Theatre First -
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Running time 60 minutes with no interval.
CONTENT WARNING
Contains haze effects, use of a racial slur, reference to the holocaust, and themes and imagery related to suicide.
Please contact the Box Office if you have specific concerns.
Promotional photo by Robert Blackburn & Work Art Life Studios.
Production photos by Jodie Hutchinson.
