Students at Burns Park Elementary witnessed a portrayal of the struggles and triumphs of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s quest for equality in a play performed Friday afternoon.

The production, “Struggle for Freedom,” depicted King’s journey to eliminate segregation by quoting his most influential speeches and reenacting important scenes of his life.

“For my students, it made the books we’ve been reading and the discussions we’ve been having in class come alive for them,” said Jewel Walters, who teaches first and second grades. “I watched their faces light up as they heard some of the things we’ve been talking about. They were really enthused to hear about it.”

Second-grader James Cameron said he thought it was cool to see some of King’s life acted out on stage.

“I liked it because I really like to learn about Dr. Martin Luther King,” James said.

Principal Kathy Morhous said it’s vital for students to learn the role King played in history and for civil rights - something she’s glad to have a live performance of to help capture.

“It’s a lesson we have to teach everyday,” she said, “not just on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. He had a powerful message, and it’s very valuable and important.”

The play was performed by Ashley Isenhower and Brandon Godfrey and was produced by Bright Star Touring Theatre, based out of Asheville, N.C. The company performs original plays in schools across the country. Karri Ostergaard, owner of Bright Star Theatre, said all the plays revolve around a positive message, and she thinks it’s valuable to learn about diversity and acceptance at a young age.

“I think it really brings the knowledge of black history to our youth,” she said. “They’re able to learn, and see, the struggles of our nation’s history.”

Danny Shaw is an intern for AnnArbor.com. Reach the Community team at community@annarbor.com.