The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. is being remembered in a production at Munster’s Theatre at the Center.
The impact of the iconic civil rights leader is showcased in the center’s Theatre for Young Audiences presentation of “I Have a Dream.”
Aimed at school groups, but also open to the public, the performances are set for 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. Jan. 22-26, with an additional 1 p.m. Jan. 25 presentation.
Elementary and high school students have the opportunity to be inspired by King’s call to “lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood.”
“Everybody knows what was reported and documented, but you actually get to see it live on stage and have the emotional connection right there in the moment,” said Charlie Misovye, Theatre for Young Audiences coordinator. “It’s quite moving. It’s a compelling dramatization of his life and times. I think that a lot of the time history comes to life on stage.”
Bruce Craig Miller wrote the child-friendly chronicle, which also is known as “I Have a Dream: The Life and Times of Martin Luther King, Jr.”
Anchored by King’s 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., the play is produced by Virginia Repertory Theatre, a professional theatrical company based in Richmond that has made cultural contributions to the state for many decades.
Gordon Bass, tour manager for the troupe, said the historical drama dips into King’s childhood and “spans his entire life” in a little less than an hour.
“It’s a cast of five,” said Bass, noting an actress plays multiple roles.
The theatrical piece covers King’s educational development, which included the garnering of a doctorate in theology.
Also touching on personally-felt moments of racial bias in King’s life, “I Have a Dream” is being brought to Munster by Virginia Rep on Tour, the touring arm of Virginia Repertory Theatre.
“It’s a very heart-wrenching play,” said Bass, pointing to emotional elements that were inherently part of the Baptist minister’s struggle and experiences during his quest for social change.
Almost 50 years have passed since the proponent of nonviolent protest and civil disobedience was assassinated on April 4, 1968.
The winner of the Nobel Peace Prize is recognized on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a national holiday recognizing King’s epic fight against segregation.
With a target audience of fourth to 12th graders, “I Have a Dream” is set to open its engagement at Theatre at the Center one week after the holiday.
A complementary study guide is offered for schools. “It has pre-show and post-show activities,” Misovye said. “We consider it an extension of the classroom.”
School groups attending the King play can enter the “I Have a Dream” essay contest for a chance to win a $100, $50 or $25 youth savings account, according to Theatre at the Center’s website.
“That is partnered with Peoples Bank here in Munster,” Misovye said of the contest.
Misovye stated that members of the public interested in attending “I Have a Dream” should call him at 219-836-3258 to purchase tickets.
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Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
‘I Have a Dream’
Where: Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster
When: 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. Jan. 22-26, 1 p.m. Jan. 25
Tickets: Public: $8-$10; school group: $6.50-$8
Information: 219-836-3255, http://www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com