The Seat Next to the King

Root Sky Productions—Alloway Hall – Manitoba Museum

From Brandon based Root Sky productions, The Seat Next to the King is a drama focusing on the harassed and paranoid existence of gay men at the height of the Civil rights era, featuring two figures deeply implicated in the political scene of the time. Focusing more heavily on Bayard Rustin, close collaborator of MLK Jr. than Walter Jenkins, aide to the sitting president, the fear of brutal police oppression, both due to homosexuality and deeply racist police, that both men experience is very well explored. Well written and performed, the show is definitely closer to 60 minutes than the listed 75.

If you’re in the mood for a politically charged drama, this is a great choice.

Josh Fidelak