Original play inspired by Martin Luther King Jr. set for Jan. 25 at Harrisburg

January 7, 2025

MIDDLETOWN, Pa. - In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Penn State Harrisburg's School of Humanities, the Kulkarni Cultural Arts Series and Sankofa African American Theatre Company will present "The Call of the Crusades," an original play written by award-winning playwright Sharia Benn. Penn State Harrisburg students also assisted with the writing of the play and will contribute to the cast.

The play will debut at the Mukund S. Kulkarni Theatre at 2 p.m. on Jan. 25. Admission is free. Tickets are available online.

The production is co-directed by Benn and Maria Enriquez, associate teaching professor of theater at Penn State Harrisburg.

"The Call of the Crusades" is an original work that brings to life the story of nine Penn State Harrisburg students who stumble upon a hidden MLK Memorial, a real-life historic site in the Capital Area Greenbelt in Harrisburg. Their journey uncovers the history of Martin Luther King Jr.'s 12 crusades and connects the civil rights past to today's challenges, fostering self-discovery and unity among the students.

The production includes performances by student actors Megan Gallagher, Daniel Garduño Lima, Phoebe Gioia, Dori Hougnon, Norlian Lambe, Adya Singh, Maulin Thakkar, Hitesh Yadlapalli and Abigail Young.

About Sharia M. Benn

Sharia Benn is the co-founder, president, and executive artistic director of the Sankofa African American Theatre Company, based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. A passionate "artivist," Benn uses theater to amplify African American stories, educate, and create healing spaces. Under her leadership, Sankofa has reached more than 15,000 students and adults through its transformative productions, earning the 2023 Distinguished Arts Organization Award.

About Maria Soyla Enriquez

Maria Soyla Enriquez is an associate teaching professor and leader of the theater program in the School of Humanities at Penn State Harrisburg. In addition to co-directing and producing "The Call of the Crusades," Enriquez is the advisor of the Capital Players and the Love of Dance student clubs. Under her leadership, the School of Humanities is producing five dramatic productions this academic year. In all her work, she collaborates closely with the Mukund S. Kulkarni Theatre staff, including technical director Matt Mitra.

About Sankofa African American Theatre Company

Founded in 2017, Sankofa African American Theatre Company is committed to educating and healing communities through thought-provoking productions that amplify African American stories.

For more information, contact Denise Saunders at 717-948-6470 or [email protected].