Young John Lewis: Prodigy of Protest
Book & Lyrics by Psalmayene 24
Music by KOKAYI
Directed by Reginald L. Douglas
Choreographed and Associate Directed by Tony Thomas
March 26-May 3, 2026
Tickets available at Mosaic Theatre Company
It’s time to make some Good Trouble! In this musical, Mosaic’s Playwright-in-Residence Psalmayene 24 honors the legendary “Conscience of Congress”: the late Congressman John Lewis.
Focusing on the Congressman’s formative years of ages 18-28, Young John Lewis: Prodigy of Protest reveals the humanity and heart of this mighty historic figure. The musical explores how the murder of Emmett Till motivated Lewis to pursue a life of service, including leading 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.
A theatrical event not to be missed, Young John Lewis: Prodigy of Protest is both a galvanizing call to action and an inspiring reminder that we can all make a difference, no matter our age.
Review by D. Kevin McNeir for the Washington Informer 3/23
For the playwright, diving into Lewis’ life not only offered insight for the play, but personal inspiration.
“He was an activist guided by the revolutionary belief that kindness, nonviolence, and peace represent the best ways to counter hate,” said Psalmayene 24, referencing the late activist and Georgia politician who died in 2020.
The artist first debuted the musical in Atlanta in June 2025, before bringing it to the District. After gaining a deeper appreciation for the late civil rights leader’s journey, the playwright made some alterations.
“We’ve made some changes since the Atlanta show including a new composer whose music embodies the spirit of the civil rights movement and accentuates the various themes that shape the play,” he said. “We’ve also deepened the relationships between the characters, added lesser-known nuances that were integral to Lewis’ character. And of course, I wanted to honor Lewis, who was often referred to as the ‘Conscience of Congress.’”
While playing such a well-known figure presents challenges, Michael Bahsil-Cook, who portrays the title character, said he relishes all that comes with portraying the iconic civil rights leader.
Review for the Washington Post 4/1
Prolific D.C. theatermaker Psalmayene 24 wrote the book and lyrics for this uplifting call to action, which follows Lewis (Michael Bahsil-Cook) from age 15 to 28, starting with the lynching of Emmett Till (Christian Emmanuel) and ending with the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. (a scene-stealing Solomon Parker III). Along the way, Psalmayene 24 unearths the origins of Lewis’s “good trouble” mantra — and digs at the moments that tested his commitment to nonviolence.
Psalmayene 24 could stand to smooth over some overly expository scenes. But his propulsive plotting is ideally attuned to the genre-hopping score by D.C. hip-hop artist Kokayi, who boarded the show after its world premiere last summer in Atlanta. Anchored in rap but weaving in threads of funk, reggae, soul and R&B, the songs smartly set Lewis’s mid-century activism to timeless rhythms. The highlights are many: “Boom Kapow (Four Little Girls)” wrenches. “One Foot (in Love)” inspires. “Say Their Names” haunts. “Good Trouble” galvanizes. Livening the tunes are Tony Thomas’s mesmerizing choreography and Zavier Augustus Lee Taylor’s crisp projection design.