Written by Mohammed Ali Ojarigi and directed by Iona Morris Jackson, GREENWOOD 1964 is based on true events which actually happened in Mississippi in 1964. Over 50 years later – in 2025 – the Greenway Arts Alliance and Ojarigi Enterprises proudly present GREENWOOD 1964.
Eltoney Williams and Tracey Dukes – Photo by Shanelle Infante
When two film icons decide to venture into the heart of civil rights unrest in the pivotal summer of 1964, sparks are sure to fly. Set against the backdrop of Mississippi’s charged racial landscape, Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte risk everything to support grassroots voices in the fight for voting rights in the segregated American South. Racing to stay one step ahead of the Klan, they take their lives in their hands as they struggle to reach activist Fannie Lou Hamer for a secret and crucial rendezvous, a meeting which may never come to pass if Klan members find them first. Danger and desperation mark their journey, a powerful testament to courage, solidarity, and the relentless pursuit of justice – even more powerful after two strangers resembling Poitier and Belafonte are tracked down and killed in cold blood.
Eltoney Williams and Tracey Dukes – Photo by Shanelle Infante
Skillfully helmed by Jackson, GREENWOOD 1964 pulls no punches as it blends together actual video and film from those fateful times and the commanding performances of the three principals in this tale, Sidney Poitier (Eltony Williams), Harry Belafonte (Tracey Dukes), and Fannie Lou Hamer (Joy DeMichelle). Of course, conversational content among the three can only be imagined since there are no living observers present today. Yet playwright Ojarigi fictionalizes their interchanges with skill and an eye towards each person’s essential personality style. We have Belafonte, who has been involved in the civil rights movement for years and is a personal friend of Dr. Martin Luther King. Belafonte is a man who passionately believes in the movement and is willing to risk life and limb to see progress. Poitier is newer to the game. While he believes in the movement, he also – perhaps wisely – cautions about the possibility that risks might sometimes outweigh gains. Clearly, the two men will find their differing views, close quarters, and long-standing professional competition an incendiary combination. Hamer has no such misgivings: she is in the fight until the end.
GREENWOOD 1964 Poster – Courtesy of Greenway Court Theatre
Kudos are in order for Nick Wass’ projection design as he manages to artfully bring the past and present together. Jack James Lawson’s set and lighting design, Wendell Carmichael’s costumes, and Malick Ceesay’s sound add dimensions to the simple venue. GREENWOOD 1964 is thought-provoking and surprisingly timely in today’s tumultuous times. The play will definitely appeal to those who continue to fight for civil rights – but it will also prove gripping to those individuals who enjoy careful character development and interpersonal connection. Of course, the story will also entice audience members who search out history and true stories, especially when told by talented creative artists.
Director Iona Morris Jackson and playwright Mohammed Ali Ojarigi – Photo by Elaine L. Mura
GREENWOOD 1964 runs through June 29, 2025, with performances at 7 p.m. on Thursday 6/19, at 8 p.m. on Saturday 6/21 and 6/28, and at 7 p.m. Sunday 6/15 and 6/29. The Greenway Court Theatre is located at 544 N. Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036. Tickets are $30. For information and reservations, go online.
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