Michael Wayne Turner III Resurrects MLK, Writer & Performer

by K. Marguerite Caronna

The Reverend stands in the shadows, behind an imposing white pulpit on a raised red stage at Oakland Theater Project. Candles illuminate the dais, and perimeter of the performance space. As the audience enters, a self-possessed Michael Wayne Turner III prepares, in character, pulling in the spirit of Dr. King’s words. In dignified quiet, the arriving audience is drawn into a sacred space.

It is a space made from the turbulent past and a present of unfulfilled promises. Dr. King’s views of love and brotherhood remain as dangerous to the status quo as they were in 1968.

Turner, in an elegant gray suit, walks rapidly around the room in a circular frenzy, as videos of Dr. King’s life, his assassination, and the turmoil after his murder play on a painted brick wall. For members of the audience old enough to recall, those dreadful scenes are as disturbing and mournful now as in 1968.

Using the Ghost of King as a framing device, Turner calls the audience to church with an “All rise!” he sings joyfully, inviting us to participate. He cajoles, he raps, and he asks the question: Why was a man of peace and brotherhood assassinated?

The Reverend’s answer will be a reading of Dr. King’s last sermon before his death. It’s called “Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution” and includes King’s last views on poverty, war, and revolution in our time.

Turner is riveting. To experience King’s words, his aspirations, his philosophies embodied in HIS strong presence exhilarates, saddens, and drags out America’s bloody sins out for scrutiny. King’s words evoke bereavement and despair—but also inspiration. Turner adeptly brings forth the ultimate message of affinity, brotherhood, and the recognition that we are all interconnected. No wonder King was considered so dangerous.

The words from the past echo into today’s state of heightened danger. By speaking King’s words now, Turner reminds us that the greatest danger to freedom is apathy. A subversive concept, indeed.

Turner returns to the “Ghost” reverend. Again, the projected images race by, as Turner begins the circular striding that accelerates into a run, then into a frenzied dance of pain, frustration, and redemption. It’s an emotional ride and a cautionary tale that carries us forward, undiminished.

Dr. King once said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”

Show some love and see this transformative performance.

“Ghost of King” –written & performed by Michael Wayne Turner III, produced by Xavier Rernard Cunningham, by Oakland Theater Project, at FLAX Art & Design, Oakland, California. Info: oaklandtheaterproject.org – to June 23, 2024.

Cast: Michael Wayne Turner III

Banner photo: Michael Wayne Turner III. Photos: Ben Krantz Studio