*Three of the most influential voices in Black history will return to the stage this Juneteenth weekend through a new theatrical production that aims to make their words feel as urgent today as they did decades ago.
“The Agitators,” a one-person play written and performed by actor and playwright Adrian A. Babatunde Thomas, will make its world premiere June 19-21 at the Hudson Theatre in Los Angeles. The production centers on Frederick Douglass, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcolm X, three men whose speeches, activism, and vision helped shape the ongoing struggle for racial justice in America.
For Thomas, the production is about more than historical reenactment.
“These aren’t speeches, this is literally an invocation of these men onto the stage,” Thomas said. “We’re trying to actually breathe what they said back to life.”
A Timely Juneteenth Premiere
The premiere coincides with Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Organizers say the timing is intentional, offering audiences an opportunity to revisit the words and ideas of leaders whose messages continue to resonate amid ongoing debates about race, equality and social justice.
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The Juneteenth setting gives the production additional meaning. The holiday commemorates the day enslaved African Americans in Texas learned of their freedom in 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. By premiering during Juneteenth weekend, “The Agitators” connects that historical milestone with the voices of leaders who spent their lives pushing America closer to its promise of freedom and equal opportunity for all citizens.
Through a single performer, “The Agitators” seeks to capture the distinct voices and philosophies of Douglass, King and Malcolm X while highlighting the common thread that united them: a determination to challenge injustice and demand change.
According to the production team, the play examines not only what these men fought against but also the enduring relevance of their warnings, hopes, and calls to action.
Bringing History Into the Present
Thomas, a Houston native and graduate of Prairie View A&M University, has built a reputation as both an actor and community advocate. He previously served as vice president of the San Fernando Valley NAACP and has been outspoken on issues affecting Black communities.
His personal experiences also inform the production.
As a college student, Thomas said he witnessed and fled from Ku Klux Klan rallies, experiences that reinforced his understanding of racism and the importance of preserving the voices of those who challenged it.
That perspective helped shape “The Agitators,” which aims to connect historical struggles with contemporary realities.
Portraying Frederick Douglass, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X in a single production presents a unique challenge. While all three men fought for Black freedom and justice, each brought a distinct philosophy, leadership style and vision for change. Through “The Agitators,” Thomas seeks to capture those differences while highlighting the common purpose that connected them. The result is intended to be more than a history lesson—it is an opportunity for audiences to engage with ideas that continue to shape conversations about race, equality and civic responsibility today.
The production argues that many of the issues addressed by Douglass, King and Malcolm X remain unresolved and that younger generations need opportunities to engage directly with their words rather than secondhand interpretations.
A Message for New Generations
One of the play’s primary goals is educational.
Organizers say the production is designed to reach audiences of all backgrounds while encouraging conversations about civic engagement, social responsibility and the unfinished work of achieving equality.
By presenting the words of three iconic figures through a single performer, the play invites audiences to reflect on how history continues to influence the present.
The production also arrives at a time when discussions about civil rights, voting rights, education and racial equity remain prominent across the country.
For Thomas, preserving these voices is not simply about honoring the past. It is about ensuring that future generations understand the sacrifices, courage and vision that helped shape modern America.
Juneteenth Weekend Performances
“The Agitators” will run June 19-21 at 8 p.m. at the Hudson Theatre, located at 6539 Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angeles.
The world premiere offers audiences a chance to experience the words and ideas of Frederick Douglass, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X through a contemporary theatrical lens, one that seeks to inspire reflection, conversation and action long after the curtain falls.
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