Mosaic Theater celebrates crusading congressman with Young John Lewis
A new musical from Mosaic Theater Company takes the stage at Atlas Performing Arts Center in DC through May 3rd, in a hip-hop-informed exploration of the formative years of the firebrand civil rights activist who would become iconic Congressman John L. Lewis. The production of Young John Lewis: Prodigy of Protest features music by Grammy-nominated and Guggenheim Fellow Kokayi, book and lyrics by Mosaic playwright-in-residence Psalmayene 24, and stage direction by Mosaic artistic director Reginald L. Douglas.
Focusing on the Congressman’s formative years. ages 18-28, Young John Lewis delves behind the storied historical highlights that formed the impressive backdrop for this mighty historic figure to explore the humanity and heart of the man behind the mythology. The musical explores how the murder of Emmett Till initially motivated Lewis to pursue a life of service that included helping lead the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, fighting for Civil Rights with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and working for nearly two decades in Congress. Both a galvanizing call to action and a reminder that all can make a difference, the production is produced in partnership with the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation and the John R. Lewis Legacy Institute.
Reflecting on the lessons and legacy of the story, lyricist and book writer Psalmayene 24 notes that, “As we collectively navigate this tumultuous American moment, I think John Lewis’s early life has much to teach us about how people can effectively traverse and conquer troubling times. One of the primary goals of this musical is to make young John’s story leap off the stage and into the hearts of audience members.”
To do that meant partnering with celebrated composer Kokayi, who was able to bring into the mix “songs rooted in hip-hop traditions that carry the spirit and urgency of the civil rights movement,” giving audiences a chance to encounter “the deep resonance between these two cultures: the historical parallels in their messaging and the ways in which both exist within the broader contributions of the African diaspora to global culture.” Kokayi hopes that the show’s music “moves as a pedagogy of protest, mediated through rhythm [and in conjunction with] Psalm’s lyrics—forms I hope will live with audiences as anthems long after they leave the theater.”
You can hear Psalmayene’s reflections on the production and the process here:
In addition to its national partnerships, the production also sits at the heart of Mosaic’s continuing commitment to deeper engagement with themes of its programming and to its Washington-area community through the Reflection Series: a season-long slate of community conversations, performances, and special events surrounding the premiere of Young John Lewis that began in October. 2025 and continues through April. 2026; both the production and these related activities aim to honor Lewis’ commitment to “good trouble” while also celebrating the city’s rich cultural, artistic, and civic life) Reflection Series events take place across all eight wards of Washington, D.C..
For the most up-to-date info about the entire project, visit https://mosaictheater.org/young-john-lewis or look here.
