The Meeting
a preview
April Kelley
Issue date: 2/8/10 Section: Freestyle
When one thinks of black history month, two prominent figures stand out as influential people fighting in their own way for civil rights. One, of course, is Martin Luther King, Jr. and the other is Malcolm X.
To commemorate the lives and works of these important men, assistant professor in the ULM Division of Theatre and Dance Kyle Zimmerman directs a play called The Meeting.
The play is about a fictional meeting between King and Malcolm X. In real life, King and Malcolm X only met once for about a minute before a press conference at the Senate debate on the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
ULM students Jerry Golden and Milton Crosby play the roles of King Jr. and Malcolm X, respectively.
"A lot of people don't understand that their views were quite different," Golden said.
Crosby said, "Martin Luther King, Jr. believes in a nonviolent movement, and Malcolm X believes in aggression. They really didn't get along."
Although they had different approaches, both men influenced the public at large and launched the shift towards equal rights.
Not only is performing as these characters a great challenge, but also a great honor.
"I wanted to play Malcolm X because he was a great icon and great figure in black history," Crosby said.
At first, deciding who would play who was up in the air.
"There was a big contention because everybody wanted to play Malcolm X, including me, but I'm white," Zimmerman said.
According to Golden, "[Zimmerman] made me realize that I'm getting to participate in something special. Plus, I really enjoy going back and forth [with Crosby]."
Zimmerman explained the evolution of big ideas such as the ones King and Malcolm X had.
"Most great ideas started through discussion and through dialogue, and by sharing information, agreeing and disagreeing. Disagreeing is just as important," Zimmerman said.
For those that want to see The Meeting, it will be featured at Spyker Theatre on the ULM campus on February 10, 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. As always, tickets are free for ULM students and faculty. Others can purchase tickets for $10. Contact the VAPA box office at 342-1414 for tickets and details.
Also, the play will be touring. It will be available for organizations and schools. Email zimmerman@ulm.edu for more information.
To commemorate the lives and works of these important men, assistant professor in the ULM Division of Theatre and Dance Kyle Zimmerman directs a play called The Meeting.
The play is about a fictional meeting between King and Malcolm X. In real life, King and Malcolm X only met once for about a minute before a press conference at the Senate debate on the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
ULM students Jerry Golden and Milton Crosby play the roles of King Jr. and Malcolm X, respectively.
"A lot of people don't understand that their views were quite different," Golden said.
Crosby said, "Martin Luther King, Jr. believes in a nonviolent movement, and Malcolm X believes in aggression. They really didn't get along."
Although they had different approaches, both men influenced the public at large and launched the shift towards equal rights.
Not only is performing as these characters a great challenge, but also a great honor.
"I wanted to play Malcolm X because he was a great icon and great figure in black history," Crosby said.
At first, deciding who would play who was up in the air.
"There was a big contention because everybody wanted to play Malcolm X, including me, but I'm white," Zimmerman said.
According to Golden, "[Zimmerman] made me realize that I'm getting to participate in something special. Plus, I really enjoy going back and forth [with Crosby]."
Zimmerman explained the evolution of big ideas such as the ones King and Malcolm X had.
"Most great ideas started through discussion and through dialogue, and by sharing information, agreeing and disagreeing. Disagreeing is just as important," Zimmerman said.
For those that want to see The Meeting, it will be featured at Spyker Theatre on the ULM campus on February 10, 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. As always, tickets are free for ULM students and faculty. Others can purchase tickets for $10. Contact the VAPA box office at 342-1414 for tickets and details.
Also, the play will be touring. It will be available for organizations and schools. Email zimmerman@ulm.edu for more information.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Gigi
posted 2/11/10 @ 7:33 PM CST
Great report!
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