More info for Schools
Welcome to THE MLK PROJECT: THE FIGHT FOR CIVIL RIGHTS, a play about a young girl’s personal transformation as she learns about the Civil Rights Movement. Since its inception in 2006, The MLK Project has been seen by more than 35,000 students in the Chicagoland area.
The MLK Project: The Fight for Civil Rights was created to help students connect historical events to their own lives. This touring educational production features the stories of real Chicago-area Civil Rights activists, giving students an opportunity to hear about the Movement in a new way.
The MLK Project: The Fight for Civil Rights features a solo performer who plays multiple roles throughout the production. It is a one-woman show where the actress embodies both celebrated and unsung heroes of the Movement.
SUMMARY
THE MLK PROJECT is the story of a student named Alaya who deals with her daily frustrations through anger and hostility. One day, during a classroom dispute, Alaya's teacher confronts her behavior and challenges her to complete a project about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., "a man of peace." Alaya launches into a month-long journey of collecting interviews, poems and oral-tellings from Chicago-based participants of the Civil Rights Movement. Along the way, she makes an emotional connection to the events of the Civil Rights Movement; a powerful self-discovery about peace; and a realization that she should turn her "anger into action."
ENGAGING YOUR STUDENTS
THE MLK PROJECT is designed to engage students in dialogue about the cultural and contemporary relevance of the Civil Rights Movement. It is important to help your students understand with the context of the play such as main events, individuals and ideas associated with the Civil Rights Movement. The MLK Project comprehensive Study Guide is provided to schools complete with activities, exercises and historical information needed to prepare your students for not only the performance but for a continued exploration of the Civil Rights Movement.
If you would like a copy of the Study Guide, please contact nripley@writerstheatre.org
PREPARING FOR THE PERFORMANCE
THE MLK PROJECT performance is about 45-minutes and is followed by a 15-minute post-show discussion forum. During the discussion forum, students are asked to reflect on the performance and are challenged to consider the importance and relevance of the Civil Rights Movement to their own experiences. It is important that both teachers and students keep in mind that while THE MLK PROJECT is a theatrical event, they should listen and watch references to historical people, places and events. Reviewing the information in the Study Guide will help them identify these elements quickly.
RESPONDING AFTER THE PERFORMANCE:
Participating students are asked to complete a written response to the performance to share with Writers' Theatre. We want to encourage all students to use the written word, in any form, to express their feelings about the performance and the issues raised in the play. These written responses can take the form of a rap, poem, essay or a letter to one of the artists. The tour of The MLK Project takes place each year in January and February which is right before the ISAT exams. Writers' Theatre has designed ISAT writing prompts that relate to The MLK Project, allowing your students to prep for the tests AND respond to the performance at the same time. For more information about the written responses, or ISAT prompts, please contact Nicole Ripley at 847-242-6007 or nripley@writerstheatre.org
ENJOY THE SHOW!
