Before freedom fighters emerge as changemakers, they were children– a notion that intrigued award-winning playwright, director, and actor, Psalmayene 24 to create “Young John Lewis: Prodigy of Protest,” running from March 26– May 4 at the Atlas Performing Arts Center in Northeast D.C., and presented by Mosaic Theater Company.
A hip-hop-based musical directed by Reginald L. Douglas and with music by Grammy-nominated artist Koyaki, the new play not only reveals the roots of the title character, civil rights icon and late congressman, but honors his legacy as the nation navigates, political and societal division and continued racial inequities.
“Sadly, we’re still dealing with a lot of the same kinds of obstacles, problems, and roadblocks that John Lewis often encountered in his life, especially as he entered adulthood,” Psalmayene 24, often called “Psalm,” told The Informer. “Sure, they may have had a different face or façade, but prejudice and the inhumane treatment of others based simply on their being different remains a disturbing element of American society.”
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.
“I use several techniques when I take on a role but in this case it started with an intensive study of the script,” he said. “I had to understand the intention of the characters, what mattered in their lives and then consider how I felt when I was entering manhood. Lewis was profoundly impacted by the murder of Emmett Till. So, I had to harness my own emotions and personal response as I sought to represent Lewis on stage.”
Inspiration from a Late Civil Rights Icon, Teaching the Next Generation
For Psalmayene 24, exploring the young Lewis emphasized the civil rights leader’s commitment to addressing inequities.
“John Lewis was very sensitive – profoundly so – and when he witnessed acts of injustice, he both addressed and attempted to correct them,” the artist explained.
Learning the late freedom fighter’s story inspired Psalmayene 24 to include an outreach component of the musical, taking the cast and crew beyond the theatre and into schools, community centers and places of worship throughout the District. He hopes to show young people that, like Lewis, who first realized his lifelong passion for activism at just 18, they too can make a difference within their communities — and they’re never too young to get started.
“We’ll be hosting several reflection sessions that focus on various themes in the play which we believe will resonate with people, both young and old,” the playwright said, adding that he hopes people will be inspired by Lewis’ “Good Trouble” mantra. “The response to the production has been amazing and we’re doing our best to make this play, this musical, leap off the stage and into the community.”
Bahsil-Cook said he marvels at how much Lewis accomplished despite being so young and hopes that others will be encouraged by his life and example.
“The fight isn’t over until we secure equality, peace and liberation for every human on the planet,” the actor told The Informer. “And young people have a role to play. Perhaps knowing more about John Lewis will help them better understand that the choice is theirs: to accept the status quo, the current state of the world, or decide to work to be the change they want to see.”
Douglas said learning Black history can serve as a source of inspiration for the next generation looking to continue freedom fights of today.
“We forget that many of the activists we honor today began when they were quite young,” he explained. “It had to take incredible courage for them to confront a system that was so opposed to granting them the same rights as whites. Even now, when I think about it, I am still moved.”
The director hopes local young people not only learn about Lewis’ life, but see themselves in his story.
“As we engage with more of D.C.’s youth, we want them to really understand that John Lewis was not all that different from them. And he certainly was not superhuman or possessed special powers,” he continued. “But he was a man who was courageous enough to be his authentic self.”