Mountaintop moment

02/17/2015 10:09 AM

By Shanlee Bratten ‘15

A unique play, known as a “two-hander,” is coming to Bradley. Katori Hall’s “The Moutaintop,” produced on Broadway in 2011, features only two actors in a unique retelling of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s last days.

Kiayla Jackson ’15 plays Camae and Aris-Allen Roberson ’15 plays Dr. Martin Luther King.

Theatre arts majors Kiayla Jackson (Camae) and Aris-Allen Robertson ’15 (King Jr.) are the lone cast members. Susan Felder, the department’s newest faculty member, directs the play.

“The Mountaintop” takes place in a hotel room in Memphis, Tennessee after one of Dr. King’s most iconic speeches, where he meets Camae, a hotel maid who gives him philosophical advice and a surprising piece of news. 

“I think this play will shock people with how honest it is,” Jackson said. “I think it’s going to hit home.”

“It wants to offer hope and a tactic to carry on,” Felder said. “This play offers a challenge.”

The work required by the actors in a two-hander is tremendous, and Felder praises Roberson and Jackson for their professionalism and genuine talent.

“This show is tiring, emotionally, physically and mentally; it’s tiring in all aspects,” Roberson said. “But it’s been a great experience so far.”

The three have built a close relationship through the process of bringing the play to life.

“[Susan] established an environment where we’re all family,” Jackson said.

Jackson says that everyone involved in the play is just as excited for it as the actors and director.

“We’ve all been coming together to tell this story the best way we can,” she said.

The production will run February 19-21 and February 26-28 at 8 p.m., with Sunday matinees February 22 and March 1 at 2:30 p.m.

For ticket information, call 309-677-2650.