Theatrical Outfit is presenting the World Premiere of Young John Lewis, a Hip Hop Musical, in partnership with the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation at The Balzer Theater at Herren’s in the heart of Downtown Atlanta.
"We are thrilled to be working with Theatrical Outfit as a Community Partner on Young John Lewis,” said Detria Austin Everson, President and CEO, John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation, which is committed to upholding his legacy and teaching each new generation about his life’s work.. “This creative approach to telling John Lewis' story, particularly of his early years in the Civil Rights Movement, will engage and inspire a new generation of Good Troublemakers.”
Written by hip hop & spoken word playwright Psalmayene 24 with all original music composed by Atlanta composer Eugene H. Russell IV, this new hip hop musical examines ten crucial years in the early life of John Lewis, and his journey from student activist to major leader in the Civil Rights movement – all by the time he was 28.
”I wanted to write this musical because John Lewis’s life is endlessly inspirational,” said Psalmayene 24.
“Being both an Atlanta native and a child of parents who marched with Dr. King, this show’s story resonates uniquely with me,” added Eugene H. Russell IV.
Matt Torney, Theatrical Outfit’s Artistic Director said, “As we enter a new age of political turmoil in which the rights and values that Congressman Lewis fought for throughout his life are under threat, we hope that this powerful new musical will help a new generation of political leaders to find their voice.”
“I am grateful to see his story come to life in this creative way," added Everson.
The official opening night is June 7. The show runs until June 29. Tickets available at TheatricalOutfit.org/YJL.
"It’s an honor, privilege, and a gift honestly. To me, I’m not playing a character. I’m becoming somebody who was here on earth before and impacts this country to this day. When I first heard I got the role, immediately, I started watching interviews & speeches to learn how he talked and carried himself. Over the past few months, I’ve been listening to family interviews and studying his background to understand his relationships & what he thought of the people and world around him. Seeing where we compare and contrast. It’s fun, but I’ve been real with myself about the stakes of portraying his efforts from the 50s-60s. They’re relevant and spiritual especially in times like now." --Michael Bahsil
Growing up, my auntie took me to local plays in Atlanta and that started my love for acting. I just knew if I was going to be great, I’d have to be sharp. I started pursuing theatre and acting as a freshman in high school under Robert Connor, Freddie Hendricks, & many more fine arts teachers in Atlanta. At my alma mater, New Manchester HS, I felt like theatre was designed to speak messages that comment on society. That’s what I was taught to do even; that the shoes you’re stepping into should reflect, affect, or connect with the world & at least one person in the audience. So I did that with every part I played. I attended Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Drama receiving a BFA in Acting - where I performed, developed, directed, and designed contemporary, classical, & devised works. From Sophocles, Shakespeare, August Wilson, Tarell Alvin McCraney, Dominique Morrisseau, myself, and many more dope writers. And this will be my 10th year acting and crafting, so what better way to do that then become Young John Lewis.
Michael Bahsil plays young John Lewis, the title character.