For the 10th anniversary of the MLK Symposium, the Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture presented an original stage play based on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s influential “Letter from Birmingham Jail” entitled The 67th Book of the Bible. The world premiere debuted on January 19 to a sold out audience of 750 at the Dallas City Performance Hall.
Dr. Larry Allums, executive director of the Dallas Institute, welcomed the audience and told about the symposium’s history. “Ten years ago in 2005, Dallas Institute board members John Castle and Albert Black had the idea of an MLK Symposium different from the other events honoring Dr. King. They both understood what MLK had done for civil rights, but little was known about the other stories surrounding him. Tonight, we celebrate the world premiere of an historic play by Jonathan Norton that gives us insight into those who were influential in MLK’s life.”
Dr. Allums also acknowledged two special guests in the audience: Willie Pearl Mackey King who transcribed King’s Birmingham letter, and Patrice Powell, daughter of Wyatt Tee Walker.
Dr. John McWhorter, senior vice president, Baylor Scott & White Health, North Division, and president, Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, spoke next. “We are pleased to be the presenting sponsor of such meaningful programs that educate us and future generations on civil rights and freedoms.”
Professor Jonathan Rieder, Barnard College and Columbia University, spoke of the importance of Dr. King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” “He wrote this letter to the white moderate pastors to let them know that injustice is failing to do the good things that they knew would be right…our duty is to respond to the cries (of injustice).”
The 67th Book of the Bible debuted with Dennis Raveneau as A.G. Gaston; Kenneisha Thompson as Willie Pearl Mackey; and Vontress Mitchell as Wyatt Tee Walker. The lively play and exchange of words gave the audience a glimpse into those who worked hard behind the scenes and with little recognition.
After the play, Dr. Allums led a panel discussion with the following:
- Booker T. Washington and SMU alum Jonathan Norton who wrote this historic play;
- Award-winning playwright Will Power who served as the producer
- Chicago’s acclaimed Derrick Sanders who as the director
- Willie Pearl Mackey, who transcribed King’s letter in 1963
- Professor Jonathan Rieder of Barnard College and Columbia University, author and expert on MLK and the “Letter from Birmingham Jail.”
Willie Pearl Mackey King said about the play, “I was overwhelmed.” But she also joked, “I just wanted to make sure she (the actress portraying her in the play) was cute.”
On asked why Dr. King wasn’t a character in the play, Norton replied, “Dr. King is such an iconic figure, so it would be hard to represent him, but his spirit is on the stage and you can feel him through the words that the others read.”
Power’s take as the producer was to “bring the people what they expect, but in an unexpected way.”
Sanders, the director, added, “The play reminds us that so many people were part of the civil rights movement, and here are the other heroes. It makes you ask yourself, ‘What am I doing today to advance civil rights?’”
Rieder closed with the image of Dr. King who went to Birmingham’s jail on Good Friday, much like Christ did. “The play showed the humanity of Martin Luther King, Jr., but how he had to sacrifice for the good of others. In my opinion, he was also a prophet because prophets criticize the evil in society.”
The Dallas Institute plans to take this historic play to some local schools to educate a generation of students who may not know the significance of what MLK did for the civil rights movement.
The play and its subsequent showings are made possible with thanks to Presenting Sponsor Baylor Scott & White Health with support from the Embrey Family Foundation, OTSL Charities, John Castle, Alon USA, Dallas Faces Race, Humanities Texas, Nancy Cain Marcus, Office of Cultural Affairs, and Oncor.
ABOUT THE DALLAS INSTITUTE OF HUMANITIES AND CULTURE:
For information, call (214) 871-2440, or visit www.DallasInstitute.org.