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Theatre North boldly portrays a nuanced, conflicted King

A stage door opened onto a motel-room scene. Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. stepped through the door, shouting to his entourage to fetch him some Pall Malls. He slipped off his jacket, kicked off his shoes, and searched for his missing toothbrush.

So began Katori Hall’s “The Mountaintop,” the latest production performed by Tulsa’s Theatre North, which opened Feb. 28 and continues Mar. 7-8 at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. Unlike the usual, reverent portrayal of Dr. King’s challenges and triumphs, this play considers his humanity. The candid perspective was bound to unsettle the audience, but that’s not a new challenge for Theatre North.

Theatre North was founded in 1977. At the time, African American actors were subject to type casting, a practice the new company set out to change.

“Some young [African Americans] decided they would like to form their own company. They wanted to have leading roles,” said Maybelle Wallace, Executive Director of Theatre North.

Part of the company from the beginning, Wallace has seen that goal become a reality. Evolving and interacting with other theatre companies, both locally and nationally, the company has stayed devoted to a vision.

“Our mission is to produce and present the black-theatre experience. During February, other theatres might produce a black play. We do black theatre all the time,” Wallace said.

“The Mountaintop” continues Theatre North’s traditions. Actors Justin Daniels and Whitney Davis were unwavering in their commitment to the characters and the message. The enactment was a challenge for all, but Daniels delivered on his promise to illuminate this dimension of a legend’s persona.

“It’s really a play about a man…he just happens to be one of the biggest icons of the 20th century. That’s the element I hope to bring,” said Daniels.

As Camae, the maid who both torments and comforts King, Davis exudes both charm and force.

“He’s this man of God — he doesn’t do wrong. She is the total opposite of that, she’s this free being. He’s definitely intrigued, more than you would think an idol would be by a person like that,” said Davis.

As the play progresses, light-hearted banter shifts to soul searching and a revelation that carries King to the other side. This unorthodox approach to the portrayal of King achieves just what the company wants — a challenging theatre experience.

Rodney Clark, director of “The Mountaintop,” joined Theatre North in the early 80s in “Sty of the Blind Pig.” Joining after college offered him opportunities as a professional actor, director, and playwright.

“When I came up as an actor in the 80s and late 70s, those were all the roles you could find — the maid and the butler. While I was in college, they had a separate wing at the University of Washington of what we called the Black Theatre Company. All we did were the black plays. It was great to be a part of that experience, and it’s exciting that Theatre North is giving people the [same] opportunity,” said Clark.

The company’s mission reaches beyond the stage. Its plays are dedicated to presenting the African American cultural experience. Whether bringing in talent to collaborate or touring with original productions, the group has sought to create a holistic cultural picture.

“There was a young man that worked with Rodney doing “Sty of the Blind Pig” named Tyrone Wilkerson with the Black Liberated Arts Center in Oklahoma City. Tyrone did a play called

“And All You Thought We Could Do Was Sing and Dance,” which has a lot to say about our culture. We do other things,” said Wallace.

Wallace won’t admit it, but she’s a local legend. She landed a role in a film, earning the company a place in the Screen Actors Guild. She might smile shyly and downplay her contribution, but it’s a significant chapter in the company’s history.

“They did “Rumblefish” here, and I got a little bitty part!” said Wallace.

Similar auditions still draw actors from local casting calls and other production companies. Clark said he meets many artists now performing regionally and nationally who started with Theatre North.

“That foundation is very important to our city and to our community. You’ll ask, where’d you get your start? ‘Theatre North.’ Or have you ever worked with Theatre North? ‘Oh, yeah, I know Theatre North — Miss Maybelle!” Clark said.

Clark’s original play, “Reverend, I’m Available,” caught the eye of promoters and put him on the national circuit as well.

“They worked with us and we got ready for the road. We did shows, then came back here and sold out the Chapman. We toured all over the country. About 30 actors quit their jobs and did this production for about seven years, eight shows per week,” said Clark.

Outside the performance hall, Theatre North still influences the community. Recently a local church, Sanctuary Evangelistic Church, revived “Reverend, I’m Available” after 20 years. Wallace wants to resume student outreach programs, but funds are limited, and she has had to cut production to two shows per year from four. Potential state-budget cuts worry her.

“We’re a nonprofit. That would be devastating for us. There wouldn’t be a Theatre North and probably some other companies if it wasn’t for the [Oklahoma] Arts Council and the NEA (National Endowment for the Arts) and the Tulsa Performing Arts Trust,” said Wallace.

Despite those worries, Wallace and company persevere in their efforts, continuing rehearsals at Tulsa’s Rudisill Regional Library.

“We would appreciate if people would come check us out. We’d love for them to come and have the opportunity. Hopefully one of these days we’ll have our own theatre,” said Wallace.

A pensive mood prevailed as the audience filed out after opening night of “The Mountaintop.” Members of the audience stopped to praise the actors and for the chance to shake Wallace’s hand. She stood smiling on the second riser, in a spotlight’s halo. It was a scene deserving a stage to call
its own.