How do you prepare to play Martin Luther King Jr? We have a hint at the answer, as writer/performer Christopher Tajah gave us candid images of rehearsals for Dream of a King, which runs at the Playground Theatre from 14-18 January. Take a look at the man in action, then book your tickets for this world premiere!
Tajah’s play, in which he plays Martin Luther King on the night of his assassination, delves into the realities of the legendary figure’s life:
It’s 4 April 1968. Four years after receiving the Nobel Peace Prize for his dynamic leadership of the Civil Rights movement, Martin Luther King was murdered. Set on the night of his shooting in a Tennessee motel room, this new one-man play explores the extraordinary man behind the legend.
An American Baptist minister, Martin Luther King pushed the civil rights movement forward using nonviolent resistance, inspiring followers with his magnetic oratory – which includes the famous ‘I have a dream’ speech – and leading protests including the 1955 Montgomery bus boycott and the 1963 march on Washington where he gave his most famous address.
Christopher Tajah both wrote and stars in Dream of a King. The experienced London performer has appeared in stage productions including The Dutchman at Tristan Bates Theatre. His film credits include horror film The Rizen and its upcoming 2019 sequel The Rizen – Possession.
Tajah has been researching, refining and raising funds to stage Dream of a King for some time. He hopes to take the production across the UK following it premiere at the Playground Theatre, taking in Brighton Fringe, but also touring this exploration of a global legend to schools, colleges and churches to inform and reveal the man behind the icon.
Dream of a King is co-produced by reggae star Paulette Tajah. One of the Queen’s of reggae sub-genre, Lover’s Rock, Tajah boasts hits including ‘Cos You Love Me Baby, Let’s Make A Baby and Stop Look Listen.
Rehearsal images
