The Studios of Key West recently announced two one-man shows by actor and playwright Mike Wiley. On Friday, Jan. 5, Wiley will deliver a performance called, “One Noble Journey,” transforming into the character of Henry “Box” Brown, a man who escaped slavery in 1849 by mailing himself to freedom in a wooden crate. On Saturday Jan. 6, Wiley will present “Dar He: The Story of Emmett Till.”
Tickets for both shows are available at tskw.org or by calling 305-296-0458.
Wiley, celebrated for his solo performances, goes beyond traditional acting and instead becomes a dynamic “cast” of characters. Transitioning among dozens of roles in a single play, Wiley brings the young and the old to life, embodies men and women with flair, and effortlessly shifts between African-American and white characters.
“One Noble Journey” unfolds the gripping narrative of Henry “Box” Brown, an enslaved man who, seeing no alternative, mails himself to freedom in a small crate. Wiley’s portrayal takes audiences on a Mark Twain-esque adventure, navigating perilous and somber moments with a touch of humor and heroism.
In “Dar He: The Story of Emmett Till,” Wiley recounts the tragic tale of a 14-year-old African- American boy brutally murdered in Mississippi in 1955 for allegedly whistling at a white woman. Through his performances, Wiley underscores his commitment to shedding light on lesser-known aspects of history, fostering understanding and encouraging meaningful dialogue.
For tickets, visit tskw.org or call the Studios’ box office at 305-296-0458.
