The Matrix Theatre Company honors Black History Month with the L.A. premiere of “The Mountaintop,” Katori Hall’s gripping and often humorous re-imagining of events the night before the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. What thoughts and emotions might have pulsed through the mind and heart of Dr. King on his last night alive?
On April 3, 1968, an exhausted King retires to his room at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis after delivering his magnificent “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech. As a storm rages outside, a mysterious hotel maid brings him a cup of coffee, prompting him to confront his life, his past, his legacy and the plight and future of the American people. The recipient of London’s 2010 Olivier Award for Best New Play, “The Mountaintop” takes on new meaning with the advent of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Culture Spot LA readers can win a pair of tickets to the show on Sunday, Feb. 7, at 3 p.m. Email editor@culturespotla.com with “Mountaintop” in the subject line to be entered in a drawing.
On Sunday, April 3 (the anniversary of the night prior to the 1968 assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., when the play takes place), and Monday, April 4 (the anniversary of the assassination), a panel discussion with special guests will take place following each of the performances.
“The Mountaintop” runs Feb. 6 through April 10 at the Matrix Theatre, 7657 Melrose Ave., LA 90046. Show times are Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $30. For more information and tickets: (323) 852-1445 or www.MatrixTheatre.com.