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Now, almost five decades after their deaths, student actors from the University of Louisville Theatre Arts Department will perform “The Meeting,” a fictional take on the two civil rights titans, as part of the department’s annual Martin Luther King Day celebration.

“The Meeting,” written by playwright Jeff Stetson, imagines what would have happened if the pair came together to discuss their beliefs and passions for equality. The two met only once for a brief minute after a U.S. Senate press conference in 1964.  

Sponsored by the African American Theatre Program (AATP), the celebration will be held 2 p.m., Monday, Jan. 19 at The Playhouse, 1911 S. Third Street. In addition to the play, there will be an appearance by the Kentucky Center ArtsReach Dance Ensemble performing a contemporary piece to “Strange Fruit” and a performance from local singer Erica Denise Bledsaw & Friends. Professor Ricky Jones, chair of the Pan African Studies Department at UofL, also will moderate a forum.

“At a time when civil rights are still at the forefront of our national consciousness, it’s essential to honor great leaders of the past as we strive to live up to the ideals they set forth so many years ago,” said Baron Kelly, associate professor of theatre and director of the AATP.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit louisville.edu/theatrearts.