The Meeting REVIEW Red Stitch 1 Oct, 2022 ****1/2

THEATRE 

Written by Jeff Stetson 

At Red Stitch Theatre, St. Kilda until 23 Oct 2022 

Reviewer: Kate Herbert  

Stars: ****1/2

  Dushan Philips, Christopher Kirby

 

“We may both give our lives for this thing called freedom,” says Malcolm X in Jeff Stetson’s gripping play, The Meeting. Written in 1987, the play depicts a fictional, secret meeting in 1965 in Harlem between Martin Luther King and Malcolm X, two towering, American black rights leaders, just one week before the assassination of Malcolm X in Manhattan. Three years later, Dr King was also assassinated. Their conversation in The Meeting eerily presages their imminent deaths.

 

In just 60 minutes, Stetson’s play presents us with the two seemingly opposing views of these men on achieving civil and human rights, revolution, freedom and how to bring about change for black Americans. It is a compelling argument, a competition between two men which, in the play, is not only an intellectual contest but also a physical contest that includes an almost absurdly brief tug-of-war and another test of physical strength.

 

Christopher Kirby is charismatic as Malcolm X, with his commanding voice and height that makes him look like the real Malcolm X as he argues for aggressive resistance. Dushan Phillips Is dignified and composed as Dr King as he presents his position on his non-violence quest for freedom and peace between black and white Americans. Akhilesh Jain provides some lighter, comic relief as Malcolm X’s attentive bodyguard.

 

Tanya Gerstle’s production is taut and compelling and every word, argument, action and disagreement brings these two leaders vividly to life on a stark, near-empty stage (Peter Mumford) that echoes photos of the scene of Malcolm X’s death.

 

The play is a sad and timely reminder that racism and the oppression of black communities is still plaguing our world in 2022. Where would America be now in relation to its civil rights movement if these two men had lived? The Meeting is a must-see not only for its socio-political content but for its captivating performances and direction.

 

by Kate Herbert

Creative Team:

Directed by Tanya Gerstle

Set & Costume by Peter Mumford

Lighting Design by Richard Vabre

Sound Design by Justin Gardam

Cast:

Dushan Philips as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Christopher Kirby as Malcolm X

Akhilesh Jain in the role of Rashad

  Dushan Philips, Christopher Kirby