KENNESAW, Ga. | Aug 20, 2024

Mike Wiley to present “Breach of Peace” in one-man performance based on historical recollections

Kennesaw State University’s Department of Theatre and Performance Studies (TPS) will host Mike Wiley in his solo performance of “Breach of Peace” Sept. 6-8. The performance is based on true accounts of surviving participants of the Freedom Rides. 

One such participant was 19-year-old Jean Thompson, who boarded a Trailways bus in Montgomery, Alabama on May 24, 1961, with 11 other young Freedom Riders bound for New Orleans – and history. 

She recalled, “My parents always talked about the injustice of segregation, but they were optimistic; they didn’t feel like it was going to last forever,” Thompson recalled. “They raised us to be ready. I remember my dad saying the day will come, and when it does, you should be ready.”

Within three months, 300 other riders followed the path of the first brave few like Thompson. They took up the mantle to desegregate buses. Many faced angry, violent mobs, while others were arrested for shining a light on a brutal, segregated South. “Breach of Peace” is based on true accounts of surviving participants, as well as many other individuals—of various races, religions and background—who were involved in the early struggle for African American equality.

Wiley adapts these real-life stories and circumstances and turns them into a solo performance where he plays all the characters on stage. It is not uncommon for the actor and playwright to portray 15-20 characters in a single performance. 

Amanda Wansa Morgan, Artistic Director and Associate Professor of Theatre and Performance Studies, explains that his work in documentary theatre “lives at the intersection of theatre and performance studies. He uses his skills in voice, movement, and interpretation, alongside the research he does, in a multi-faceted way. His work is truly riveting.”

In addition to performing, Wiley will also teach several classes to TPS students over the course of a week at KSU. Topics include working in the profession, developing character, storytelling, and adaption. 

He is well qualified to teach adaption; his repertoire includes adaptions that chronicle the lives of Emmett Till and Jackie Robinson.  Designed to inspire audiences, his work examines America’s racial history, teaches the lessons of the past, and encourages the application of those truths to the present. He hopes that “Breach of Peace” will be a living monument to those who rose to face the dangers of fighting for just and equal treatment. 

“Breach of Peace” runs Sept. 6-8; tickets are available online or by calling 4709-578-6650. Learn more about the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies. 

––Kathie Beckett