Written by Chess Jakobs, The American Five explores pivotal moments in the lives of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Coretta Scott King, Bayard Rustin, Stanley Levison and Clarence B. Jones during the height of the Civil Rights Movement. Set in the tense days leading up to the March on Washington, the play examines the strategy, collaboration and moral conviction behind one of the most consequential events in American history. Developed through workshops at Ford’s Theatre and the University of Michigan and premiering at Ford’s Theatre in September 2025, this regional premiere highlights themes of nonviolence, leadership and personal sacrifice while illuminating the immense pressure facing those who stood at the forefront of change. In the face of government surveillance, intimidation, arrests and constant threats, these five figures forged a coalition grounded in trust, intellect and unwavering belief in justice.