Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe performance to honor legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during a performance on Jan. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the Sarasota Opera House.

The production, “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: Celebrating His Legacy in Spoken Word and Song,” will feature song, dance, and dramatic reenactments of Dr. King’s most powerful speeches. The show is arranged and directed by WBTT Artistic Director Nate Jacobs.

Rev. Charles McKenzie returns to lend his voice to Dr. King's words and WBTT performing artists, guest performers, and Stage of Discovery students will perform gospel, soul and popular songs of the Civil Rights era. Special guest Mzuri Moyo Aimbaye will perform an excerpt from her award-winning show, “The Fannie Lou Hamer Story.” The 2025 winners of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. essay-writing contest also will be announced.

"It is so vital to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his remarkable work demanding civil rights, equity, and justice for all people,” Jacobs said. “I feel it is the duty of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe to propagate this legacy and history of a great man who made an indelible impression on our country."

Sponsors include the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and the Sarasota County Bar Association Council for Diversity & Inclusion. For tickets ($15-$35) and information, visit sarasotaopera.org (“Tickets & Events”).