The Mountaintop Tickets

The final night of Martin Luther King is told onstage in the play “The Mountaintop”, which, following a successful tenure at the Theatre503, is making an anticipated appearance at the Trafalgar Studio 1 in 2009. It will star David Harewood as the man himself, whilst directing duties are carried out by James Dacre from a script by Katori Hall.

The play opens on the evening on 3rd April 1968, which was the night before King was assassinated on his hotel balcony. It is the night that he has made a famous speech that people will remember forever, in which he declared “I have been to the mountaintop”, after which he returns to his hotel room, with his words still fresh in everyone’s mind. However, soon enough he is confronted by a chambermaid in form of Camae, who forces him to look at certain events in his life, as well as the legacy, which he will soon be leaving behind.

The next night, on 4th April 1968, whilst stood on the balcony of his hotel in Memphis, the civil rights leader Martin Luther King was shot and killed from a single rifle bullet. Later, James Earl Ray would be arrested at Heathrow Airport in London and then charged with his murder.

When “The Mountaintop” was seen at Theatre503 it was universally praised from all quarters, with critics and theatregoers alike giving particular attention to the writing. It went on to enjoy a sold out run at the venue.

David  Harewood, who appears as King, also received praise for his portrayal of the legendary figure, and he makes the transition to the Trafalgar Studios as well. He will soon be playing Nelson Mandela in an upcoming BBC drama “Mrs Mandela”, which is highly anticipated, particularly following his performance at Theatre503. His other stage credits include work for the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company, whilst his film credits include “Blood Diamond” and “The Merchant Of Venice”. However, audiences may recognise him for his role as Friar Tuck in the television series “Robin Hood” as well as his other TV appearances in the likes of “The Palace”, “Ballykissangel” and “Criminal Justice”.

Starring opposite as Camae is Lorraine Burroughs, who has been seen in “The War Next Door” at the Tricycle Theatre as well as television shows such as “Casualty”.

“The Mountaintop” appears at the Trafalgar Studio 1 starting Monday 20th July 2009 (with previews from Thursday 16th July 2009) and running to Saturday 5th September 2009.