‘Are we really free or do we live in
a world of false liberation?’
The Mountaintop
Newcastle Northern Stage
Until Saturday 13th October 2018
Written by Katori
Hall
Directed by Roy Alexander Weise
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| Image from Ernest Withers Collection |
The smell
of cigarettes and coffee hangs thick in the air as Dr Martin Luther King Jr
winds down from a day of preaching and marching.
In the 50th anniversary year of the assassination of Martin
Luther King Jnr, the Olivier Award winning play about the hours before his
death embarks on its first UK tour following a sold out run at the Young Vic
theatre in October 2016.
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| Photo: Helen Murray |
Martin Luther King Jnr (Gbolahan Obisesan) enters his motel
room. It is sparsely furnished: 2 double beds, a couple of tables and chairs.
Previously used mugs of coffee are on the bedside cabinet but he needs a fresh
brew so he calls down for room service. Whilst the motel doesn’t offer such a
service anymore, the news of King’s rousing speech earlier in the evening
ensures that they make an exception and they send a maid up with his caffeine
filled drink.
When Camae (Rochelle Rose) appears, she not only has a
drink – she also has his preferred brand of cigarettes and something stronger
to help with his voice. King suggests that she takes a break and this gives
them an opportunity to smoke and discuss the campaign.
As the storm brews outside, the pair chew events over,
pausing only for the occasional roar of thunder. The preacher is clearly
paranoid about outsiders, checking the phone and furniture for listening
devices. He has a lot yet to accomplish but he is acutely aware of those who
want to stop him.
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| Photo: Helen Murray |
Director Roy Alexander Weise was the 19th annual
winner of the James Menzies-Kitchin Award and he directed the original production
at the Young Vic. The action is evenly handled but, significantly, a decision
has been made to run for 1 hour 45 minutes without an interval. This helps
maintain both the tension and the atmosphere. The lighting design too,
initially, helps with the atmosphere of the 19060’s motel room. Later on the
sound and lighting takes on a different dimension…but no spoilers here!
Whilst the website states a recommendation of 16+, we would
suggest that this is perfect viewing for students of GCSE history or drama. Yes
there are the occasional curse word but it fits in with both the historic
context and the dramatic setting.
Gbolahan Obisesan and Rochelle Rose are both highly
engaging in this two-handed production. They draw you in to the world of the
preacher who spends a lot of his time on the road making controversial speeches.
Gbolahan succeeds in presenting the
private side of a man who literally gave his life in order to stand up for his
values. Rochelle’s maid is no push over either.
The Mountaintop delivered a powerful, thoughtful and
measured production. Good acting and a strong narrative provide a timely
reminder of the struggles still faced by many in society.
Review by Stephen Oliver
Tickets
From £10 – Book online at https://www.northernstage.co.uk/Event/the-mountaintop
or from the box office: 0191 230 5151
Running time
1hr 45mins (no interval)
Recommended age
14+; Strong language and may contain adult themes
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