The Meeting Leaves Audiences Struggling to Choose Sides

It never ceases to amaze how art often reminds us that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Thus Ocean State Theatre Company’s presentation of The Meeting will surely strike a chord with many.

Jeff Stetson’s compelling play depicts an imaginary meeting between two of the civil rights movement’s most iconic figures: Dr. Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. And, while both men shared the same goal of equality, they fiercely debate their conflicting philosophies on how to achieve such equality. Dr. King’s non-violent ideology versus Malcolm X’s advocating “aggression in the name of self-defense” makes for some extremely spirited and compelling theater.

The meeting occurs in a Harlem hotel room in 1965 with the two men exchanging ideas like two prize fighters exchanging punches. In the early going, Malcom X appears to have the upper hand, often using King’s own words against him. Referring to his “We shall overcome,” Malcolm X prefers to suggest that when confronted by obstacles, “We shall come over!”

Malcolm X continues, “You see our people bleeding and you comfort them,” King offers no retort. “I want to stop the man from throwing the rock,” barks Malcolm X. Seething with anger and resentment, Damron Russel Armstrong’s portrayal of the revolutionist overshadows Marcus Denard Johnson’s more contemplative portrayal of Dr. King; yet this does seems intentional.

Malcolm X then notes the respect President Kennedy earned with his aggressive actions during the Cuban Missile Crisis. To which King replies, “Yet missiles are still being produced all over the world.” King’s measured responses infuriate Malcolm X. “You want to free blacks, I want to free America,” says King. Malcolm X angrily responds, “You want us to buy a cup of coffee, I want us to sell it!”

It isn’t until Malcolm X suggests that King’s efforts have accomplished nothing that the reverend gets angry. “Sometimes you’ve got to ride the bus before you can drive it,” shouts King, an obvious reference to King’s work on getting legislation passed that helped end segregation.

It is King’s act of giving, however, that ultimately appears to soften Malcolm X. As King tries to abruptly leave, Malcolm X thrusts a large brown bag in his direction. “Don’t forget your lunch,” he shouts. To which King responds, “It is not my lunch.” Turns out it is a doll that King’s daughter wants to give to Malcolm X’s daughter as a gift. The morning of the “meeting,” Malcolm X’s home was firebombed with his family losing everything.

King’s generosity appears to catch Malcom X off-guard. “We all need to give more,” suggests King. So while their harsh words have produced nothing more than a stalemate, King’s Christian kindness appears to turn the tide. His religious beliefs and how they guide him, and how they may relate to this play, are not insignificant when considered in context with an earlier exchange. With Malcolm X using an apple to make a point, King observes, “Interesting you try to tempt me with an apple,” a provocative comment to say the least as audience members struggle to pick a side.

The verbal sparring continues for over an hour with three arm wrestling matches metaphorically attempting to decide a victor, but even then the results are ambiguous. “Imagine what we could have accomplished if we joined hands and pushed in the same direction,” concludes King. Boom! Decision King? Go see the play and decide for yourself.

As Malcolm X, Armstrong is powerful filled with rage, anger, paranoia and mistrust. Yet, he also convincingly projects, in short order, a side of the militant activist most may not be familiar with; one with a biting sense of humor — a loving husband and father filled with regret for not spending more time with his family.

Johnson’s reserved and calculating Reverend King proves to be the perfect counterpoint to Armstrong’s impassioned Malcolm X. But, when pushed, he ably matches Armstrong’s volume and passion.

Stetson’s The Meeting packs a powerful, yet thought-provoking punch, filled with fascinating dialogue. Performed primarily as a two-man show with no intermission, it will keep your eyes glued to the stage.

OSTC’s production of The Meeting runs through Feb 15 at their state-of-the-art theater on Jefferson Blvd in Warwick. For tickets or more information visit oceanstatetheatre.org.