THE MEETING PANEL DISCUSSION
'A conversation about change, activism and the arts.'
Tue 4th Oct at 7.00pm- TICKETED FREE EVENT

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’s play imagines a secret meeting between Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X, exploring the opposing views of these two great civil rights leaders. 

Can equality ever be achieved peacefully? Is revolution the only answer to years of oppression, violence and hatred?

These provocations are as relevant as ever, and Red Stitch has invited a panel of artists to discuss some of the questions that arise about making this work, today, in Australia.

Where do the arts sit on the spectrum of activism and change-making? 

What does it mean to reimagine the stories of cultural icons? 

Who has the right to tell which stories, and what aspects of a person's identity constitute ‘lived experience’? 

When are non-white bodies allowed to be transformational?

Panelists include: Kamarra Bell-Wykes, Tanya Gerstle, Christopher Kirby, & Jeff Stetson.

Hosts: Sonya Suares & Dushan Philips

Join us for this special event in person, as part of our live audience, or watch along at home via our live online webinar.

THE MEETING
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.” 

Promotional photo by Robert Blackburn & Work Art Life Studios

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 has been produced throughout Africa, Europe and America in over 50 productions. 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 -

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 1 – Sun 23 Oct $15 - $57

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