Tyne Bridge to host epic civil rights performance

The Tyne Bridge will be the setting for a spectacular performance inspired by Dr Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy and epic civil rights struggles, past and present.

Held on Sunday 29 October as part of Freedom City 2017, a commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Dr Martin Luther King receiving an honorary degree from Newcastle University, Freedom on the Tyne will bring together international artists, performers and community groups together in a unique afternoon of theatre, music, dance and art.

Out of the buildings, through the streets and onto the Tyne Bridge, will unfold a modern passion play. Four stories will be woven together with the Jarrow March and other UK and world struggles, in a unique immersive performance that climaxes in a memorable and inspirational moment of light, sound and theatre on the Tyne Bridge.

The free performance will be directed by acclaimed theatre director Tim Supple and scripted by BAFTA-award winning playwright Roy Williams.

Workshops and rehearsals are being held in the run up to the event and local people are invited to sign up and be part of this once in a lifetime event.

On 13 November 1967, Newcastle University gave Dr Martin Luther King an honorary degree – the only UK university to do so during his lifetime. Remarkably, Dr King took time to visit Newcastle to receive the award. He then gave an impromptu acceptance speech – his last public address outside of the US before his assassination barely six months later.

Dr King spoke of the challenge in overcoming the three ‘urgent and great problems’ of racism, poverty and war. Freedom City 2017 aims to keep Dr King’s legacy alive by inspiring a new generation to contribute towards tackling these issues. 

Find out more about Freedom City 2017 go to: freedomcity2017.com