The Meeting by Jeff Stetson
Recording & streaming with special permission from Dramatist Play Service & Jeff Stetson/Photo by John Howard
Starring
Rhys Greene, J. Kay Weldon, Julian King Monroe
The Meeting, by Jeff Stetson is a powerful drama about the lives, philosophies, and times of Dr Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. by Jeff Stetson. Fascinating and dramatically compelling, this eloquent play depicts the supposed meeting of two of the most important men of modern times: Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Differing in their philosophies, the two men debate their varying approaches to the same grave social problems, both prepared to die for their beliefs but neither aware of how soon their assassins’ bullets would await them. This exciting and provocative play draws on many of the actual words of each man, it provides excellent insight into each and also how having the courage to speak and listen to others can help us find common ground and new solutions, even if such dialogue comes at a personal cost.
Directed by Jerry Pilato
Streaming platform: showtix4u.com
Dates of streaming: March 12th thru 13th
Tickets: $10 (single) - $25 (group)
Rhys Greene, J. Kay Weldon, Julian King Monroe
The Meeting, by Jeff Stetson is a powerful drama about the lives, philosophies, and times of Dr Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. by Jeff Stetson. Fascinating and dramatically compelling, this eloquent play depicts the supposed meeting of two of the most important men of modern times: Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Differing in their philosophies, the two men debate their varying approaches to the same grave social problems, both prepared to die for their beliefs but neither aware of how soon their assassins’ bullets would await them. This exciting and provocative play draws on many of the actual words of each man, it provides excellent insight into each and also how having the courage to speak and listen to others can help us find common ground and new solutions, even if such dialogue comes at a personal cost.
Directed by Jerry Pilato
Streaming platform: showtix4u.com
Dates of streaming: March 12th thru 13th
Tickets: $10 (single) - $25 (group)
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Photos by John Howard
"An articulate Rhys Greene plays Malcolm X as a man who is haunted, dispirited and exhausted, but no less committed to his ideals for non-passive protest. As King, who Malcolm has invited to his hotel for a discussion, J. Kay Weldon has the dignified bearing of a Southern preacher, who never raises his voice or speaks in anger, despite Malcolm X’s repeated provocations. Julian King Monroe co-stars in the play as Malcolm’s wary bodyguard Rashad..." Pam Kragen, Union Tribune
“The Meeting” is a powerful reminder of where we’ve come from and where we are . .The performances are potent. As Malcolm, Rhys Greene exhibits the fire, the edginess, the fatalism... As Martin, J. Kay Weldon maintains a calm, measured voice and demeanor... There’s an undertone of tension that keeps us engaged. And the third character, Rashad, Malcolm’s staunchly protective bodyguard (Julian King Monroe), heightens the unease, and the potential for a less than peaceful resolution. Performing on an actual... set so refreshing to see in these 'Zombified' times..." Pat Launer, Times of SD
Two men with opposing philosophies taking measure of what each exactly stands for. Who is right and what can be done to perhaps work together.The actors portraying two of the most powerful Black leaders in history do an amazing job I think everyone should watch the show for the historical insight alone. To know more about the power men who shaped history..." Kathy Carpenter, Splash Magazine
"Rhys Greene is terrific..." Phil Johnson, Roundabout Theatre
"An articulate Rhys Greene plays Malcolm X as a man who is haunted, dispirited and exhausted, but no less committed to his ideals for non-passive protest. As King, who Malcolm has invited to his hotel for a discussion, J. Kay Weldon has the dignified bearing of a Southern preacher, who never raises his voice or speaks in anger, despite Malcolm X’s repeated provocations. Julian King Monroe co-stars in the play as Malcolm’s wary bodyguard Rashad..." Pam Kragen, Union Tribune
“The Meeting” is a powerful reminder of where we’ve come from and where we are . .The performances are potent. As Malcolm, Rhys Greene exhibits the fire, the edginess, the fatalism... As Martin, J. Kay Weldon maintains a calm, measured voice and demeanor... There’s an undertone of tension that keeps us engaged. And the third character, Rashad, Malcolm’s staunchly protective bodyguard (Julian King Monroe), heightens the unease, and the potential for a less than peaceful resolution. Performing on an actual... set so refreshing to see in these 'Zombified' times..." Pat Launer, Times of SD
Two men with opposing philosophies taking measure of what each exactly stands for. Who is right and what can be done to perhaps work together.The actors portraying two of the most powerful Black leaders in history do an amazing job I think everyone should watch the show for the historical insight alone. To know more about the power men who shaped history..." Kathy Carpenter, Splash Magazine
"Rhys Greene is terrific..." Phil Johnson, Roundabout Theatre
The Cast
Rhys Greene (Malcolm X) - Mr. Greene is co-founder and Artistic Director of the San
Diego Black Ensemble Theatre. He earned his BFA in acting from the California Institute of The Arts, after which he joined the creative arts team out of New York University, teaching conflict resolution. He was a teaching artist with the La Jolla Playhouse, North Coast Rep, The Institute for Arts & Education and The San Diego Black Ensemble Theatre.
Mr. Greene has toured with Disney, Asian Story Theatre, National Theatre for children, Fights R’ Us, La jolla Playhouse, Travelling Lantern and numerous productions in New York, Los Angeles, Washington
D.C. and San Diego. Mr Greene has come off two critically acclaimed productions, one was The Ballad of Emmett Till at Ion Theatre Co. and Father Comes Home from the War with Intrepid Theatre. Mr. Greene is an Associate Artist with the Asian Story Theatre and serves on the board of Chronos Theatre and Teatro Mascara Magica.
Currently he teaches theatre at Mar Vista High School in Imperial Beach. Mr Green is proud owner of Mr Green’s Coffee Beans, a small coffee roasting business bring the public great custom roasted coffee beans from around the world. You can also listen out for Mr. Greene when he’s playing drums around town with any number of Jazz Cats.
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J. Kay Weldon (Martin Luther King Jr -Born October 5, 1985 in rural northwest Louisiana, J. Kay Weldon is no stranger to the unusual. He grew up as an only child, with four siblings; as his brother and three sisters had already grown up and had families of their own. His journey started where most young entertainers get their start: church. J. was a prominent musician during his time in high school. After an eight year military career, J. Kay received his degree in Recording Arts from The Los Angeles Film School. While hosting a weekend mid-day show on LA Talk Radio, he began to feel he had found his place as a radio host. After a grueling start, he found his groove by being in front of an audience.
This led to even more opportunity for J. as a comedian, actor, and emcee. Hosting venues such as: The Ice House (Pasadena, CA) La Buena Vida Vineyards (Grapevine, TX), and The Sterling Hotel (Dallas, TX). J. also boasts several SHAKESPEARE credits such as: Duke of Cornwall (King Lear), Henry Bolingbroke/King Henry IV (Richard II) and most notably, Signior Benedick (Much Ado About Nothing) and the title role in William Shakespeare's Othello.
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Julian King Monroe (Rashad) - Julian is a local native of Long Beach, Ca. A navy veteran and actor who has performed in many theatrical plays. Some of those included are at the Point Loma Playhouse. He has competed in the monologue competition in Atlanta. Practices martial arts and loves all aspects of art. Now in the wake of social injustices that have been occurring. Has written and creatively reimagined his, The Harlem Hellfighters project. In which he re-tells this epic story of heroism about an all-black army regiment who fought during WWI. His dream is to make it a pilot and pitch it to a network. This versatile actor turned writer, has honed his craft and is enthusiastic about telling it to the world. He is enthralled to play in this act about two legendary men Dr Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. who paved the way for civil justice and opportunity for the African American community.
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About the Director
Jerry Pilato - Board Member/Artistic Director. Jerry comes from San Antonio, Texas where he was Artistic Director for The Actors Theatre of San Antonio from February 1982 to 2005. He graduated from Toul American High School in France and attended San Antonio College and the University Of The Incarnate Word in San Antonio. Locally he has directed The Foreigner, Love Sex And The IRS and Biloxi Blues at The Sunshine Brooks Theatre in Oceanside; Four Dogs And A Bone, The Eight: Reindeer Monologues, Orange Flower Water and Glenn Garry Glen Ross at Compass Theatre (6th@ Penn) in San Diego; Plaza Suite, Visiting Mr. Green, Weekend Comedy and The Cemetery Club at The Broadway Theatre in Vista, at Lamplighters Theater The Hallelujah Girls, Stage Fright , The Dixie Swim Club and Daddy’s Dyin’ Who’s Got The Will. He has been awarded Best Director awards from the Alamo Theatre Arts Council, in San Antonio for Chicago, and When Pigs Fly (Musical), I Hate Hamlet and First Night (comedy), American Buffalo, If We Are Women and Taking Sides (drama). Artistic Director for Different Stages/San Diego he has directed : The Dixie Swim Club, The Psychic, Vampire Lesbians Of Sodom, MOMologues, Race, Last Train To Nibroc, Lone Star Laundry and Bourbon and Santaland Diaries/Season Greetings. Also for Different Stages/San Diego he has produced Somewhere In Between, Burn This, The Sea Horse, Wrinkles, American Hero and The Brothers Lipschitz.
