Mosaic Theater Company of DC is proud to announce the Young John Lewis Reflection Series, a season-long slate of community conversations, performances and special events leading up to and surrounding the world premiere of Young John Lewis. Running March 26-April 26, 2026, Young John Lewis is a new musical celebrating the life and legacy of the late Congressman and Civil Rights leader. The Reflection Series extends the play’s themes into the community with events across all eight wards of Washington, DC, honoring Lewis’ commitment to “good trouble” while celebrating the city’s rich cultural, artistic and civic life.
“Art and activism go hand in hand in moving society forward,” said Reginald L. Douglas, Artistic Director of Mosaic Theater Company. “With this Reflection Series, we honor John Lewis’ legacy by creating space for dialogue, celebration and action across our city. Our hope is that audiences will see themselves in his story, and leave the theater not only inspired but empowered to make good trouble of their own.” “The Reflection Series is about weaving John Lewis’ story into the fabric of DC life,” added Jacob Ettkin, Mosaic’s Education and Engagement Manager. “By partnering with community leaders, schools, libraries and arts organizations, we’re ensuring that this musical extends beyond our stage into a citywide movement that uplifts history, community and future generations of changemakers.”
About Young John Lewis
Book and Lyrics by Psalmayene 24 Music by Kokayi Directed by Reginald L. Douglas March 26-April 26, 2026
Advertisement
It’s time to make some Good Trouble! In this new 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 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 nearly two decades of work in Congress. A theatrical event not to be missed, Young John Lewis is both a galvanizing call to action and an inspiring reminder that we can all make a difference, no matter our age.
A Season of Good Trouble: Young John Lewis Reflection Series
October
Celebration of Community October 9, 2025 | Ward 2 | Eaton DC | Free event In the spirit of John Lewis’ commitment to coalition building across disparate communities, Mosaic will celebrate the power of connecting across differences with this kickoff event at Eaton DC featuring food, drinks, and a celebration of Good Trouble from a diverse group of inspiring voices.
A Celebration of Community Thursday, October 9 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm Eaton DC – 1201 K St NW, Washington, DC 20005 Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSeN1C…/viewform
Advertisement
What to expect: Sneak peek of Young John Lewis from Helen Hayes Award-winner Psalmayene 24 and a taste of the music from Grammy Award-nominee Kokayi Insights from the Smithsonian Museum of African-American History & Culture The Honorable Cori Bush and Mosaic Artistic Director Reginald L. Douglas in conversation Panel of local leaders featuring Seeds of Peace, AARP DC, US Department of Justice–Civil Rights Division, Capital Pride Alliance, and Rising Organizers
November
Hip Hop History Month November 5, 2025 | Ward 8 | Busboys and Poets Anacostia Mosaic partners with Busboys and Poets Anacostia for a night uplifting local spoken word and hip-hop artists and highlighting Young John Lewis’ hip-hop roots.
December
A Celebration of DC Home Rule Date TBD | Ward 2 | MLK Library December 24, 2025, marks 52 years of home rule in Washington, DC. Mosaic heads to MLK Library–the first major project DC built independently–for a celebration of DC artistry, identity and community. Programmed in partnership with the DC Public Library and the DC History Center.
Advertisement
January
Remembering John Lewis: Good Trouble and the Black-Jewish Civil Rights Alliance January 16-18 | Ward 3 | Adas Israel Congregation Mosaic partners with Adas Israel Congregation and its church and gospel partners for the yearly Martin Luther King weekend days of inspiration. From shabbat to the Sunday community day of service, Mosaic and Adas will share stories, challenges and musical inspirations from Lewis’ exemplary life of social action and building the beloved community.
Not Just Another Day Off Poetry Reading January 17, 2026 | Ward 6 | Folger Theatre Each year, the Folger celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ‘s birthday with inspiring poetry readings and rousing historical speeches delivered by contemporary poets and actors. Mosaic will amplify their work and the significant relationship between Dr. King and Congressman Lewis, which is featured heavily in the musical.
The Fox & the Panther Play Reading January 22, 2026 | Ward 4 | Busboys and Poets Takoma The Fox & the Panther by Tariq Hamami takes us to the 1960s when Algeria established itself as the anti-colonial capital of the world and hosted multiple revolutionaries including the Black Panther Party. Presented in collaboration with California’s Golden Thread Productions, this new play reading will include a special talkback with the playwright and local leaders, highlighting the work of activists in the 1960s and now. Reading hosted at Busboys and Poets Takoma.
DC: A Home for New Musicals January 26, 2026 | Location TBD A panel conversation led by Washington Post theater critic Naveen Kumar highlighting local theater companies producing new musicals. Produced in partnership with Olney Theatre Company and Signature Theatre Company, the event will feature performances from Young John Lewis and upcoming productions at the peer theaters.
Advertisement
February
The Spark February 7, 2026 | Ward 6 | Atlas Performing Arts Center Mosaic’s annual benefit event will honor local “Good Trouble” leaders Susan Clampitt (former Deputy Chair for Programs at the National Endowment for the Arts), Andy Shallal (Founder & CEO of Busboys & Poets), and George Vradenburg (civic leader and founder of Mosaic’s Trish Vradenburg Play Commission, honoring his late wife’s contributions to the arts by supporting emerging female playwrights). The event will feature a performance from Young John Lewis and a sneak peek of Mosaic’s 2026/27 season.
Celebration of DC Black Theater February 26, 2026 | Ward 1 | Howard University A moving panel highlighting DC’s long history of being a hub for Black theater featuring present-day local Black women artistic leaders in conversation with trailblazers who built the legacy. Programmed in partnership with Howard University and State of DC Black Theatre.
March
The Mosaic High School Playwriting Contest March 15, 2026 | Ward 2 | MLK Library Mosaic uplifts the next generation of playwrights through its High School Playwriting Contest, providing mentorship, instruction and a professionally guided reading of the winning play with a director and working actors. This year’s contest is inspired by the themes of Young John Lewis, including justice, coalition building, and activism within our communities.
Advertisement
Artist Talkback with Psalmayene 24 March 28, 2026 | Ward 6 | Atlas Performing Arts Center Curious about what went into the making of Young John Lewis? Playwright Psalmayene 24 will share insights into the process behind the production and his artistic practice following a performance of the musical.
Author Talk: March Date TBD | Ward 2 | MLK Library March is a vivid first-hand account of John Lewis’ lifelong struggle for civil and human rights, meditating in the modern age on the distance traveled since the days of Jim Crow and segregation. Rooted in Lewis’ personal story, it also reflects on the highs and lows of the broader civil rights movement. Mosaic and the DC Public Library welcome March author Andrew Aydin for a conversation on his work and Lewis’ legacy.
April
Intergenerational Matinees April 2, 9, 22, 23, and 30, 2026 | Ward 6 | Atlas Performing Arts Center After watching Young John Lewis together, middle and high school students and seniors will engage in a post-show conversation with Mosaic’s artists and one another.
65 Years of Good Trouble: SNCC in DC April 3, 2026 | Ward 6 | Atlas Performing Arts Center 2025 marks the 65th anniversary of the founding of SNCC–the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee–by leaders including Congressman Lewis. Mosaic invites SNCC members into conversation around SNCC’s work, legacy and more.
Advertisement
Washington Performing Arts Weekend April 10-12, 2026 | Ward 6 | Atlas Performing Arts Center Mosaic partner organization Washington Performing Arts will lead the curation of a weekend of special events celebrating the power of music and local arts collaborations.
Millennium Arts Salon Talkback April 12, 2026 | Ward 6 | Atlas Performing Arts Center Millennium Arts Salon holds a talkback conversation bridging arts and activism after a matinee performance of Young John Lewis.
The Dramaturgy of Hip Hop Theater April 18, 2026 | Ward 6 | Atlas Performing Arts Center Young John Lewis keeps the power of hip-hop theater alive! Playwright Psalmayene 24 is a leading figure in the movement and will shed insights into the form and its legacy in dialogue with other hip-hop theater leaders.
The Next Generation of DC Changemakers April 19, 2026 | Ward 6 | Atlas Performing Arts Center John Lewis sparked many generations of activists and organizers towards fighting for change within their communities. This post-show conversation will feature some of the changemakers mobilizing for DC here and now.
The Good Troublemaker’s Symposium April 24, 2026 | Ward 2 | Eaton DC Mosaic concludes our season-long “Good Trouble’ Reflection Series with the Good Troublemaker’s Symposium. Featuring keynote speakers, breakout conversations, and opportunities to come together and mobilize towards a better future collectively. Programmed in partnership with Eaton DC and DC History Center.
Advertisement
Artist Talkback with the Cast of Young John Lewis April 26, 2026 | Ward 6 | Atlas Performing Arts Center Members of the cast will share insights into the making of the show and their unique connections to the work.
Ongoing
The Power of Knowing: John Lewis, Poetry & Hip Hop Wards 5 and 7 | Capitol View Neighborhood Library, Francis A. Gregory Neighborhood Library and Woodridge Neighborhood Library “The Power of Knowing” is an interactive workshop that brings together the legacy of civil rights leader John Lewis and the expressive energy of hip hop and spoken word. Led by poet, spoken-word artist, and hip-hop educational leader Tony Keith Jr. in partnership with DC Public Library.
More activities and special events to be announced.
About Mosaic Theater Company
Advertisement
Mosaic Theater Company of DC produces bold, culturally diverse theater that illuminates critical issues, elevates fresh voices, and sparks connection among communities throughout our region and beyond. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Reginald L. Douglas and Managing Director Serge Seiden, Mosaic produces plays that both entertain and enlighten, using art to build empathy amongst diverse people united by the magic of theater, and hopes to build community by reflecting the many cultures that call DC home.
With a blue sky above the Lincoln Memorial, people walk along the reflection pool in Washington, D.C., on June 9, 2023.
Jose Luis Magana/AP
hide caption
Advertisement
toggle caption
Jose Luis Magana/AP
A nonprofit is suing the National Park Service, the Department of the Interior and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum over the decision to resurface the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool at Washington D.C.’s National Mall, and to paint the pool’s basin blue.
The suit was filed Monday in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia by The Cultural Landscape Foundation (TCLF), an education and advocacy organization. In the suit, TCLF is asking a federal judge to halt the project, saying that the Trump administration failed to have the project reviewed federally, as is dictated by the National Historic Preservation Act.
Advertisement
President Trump revealed his plans for the pool do-over last month in “American flag blue,” saying that the project would take one week and $2 million, and that it would be completed in time for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4. A few days later on Truth Social, the president posted a fake image of himself and several of his administration officials in swimsuits, along with an unidentified woman in a gingham bikini, lounging in the water with the Washington National Monument at the rear. (Swimming in the reflecting pool is prohibited by federal law.)
In a YouTube video posted by the White House on April 23, Trump called the pool “filthy dirty” and said it “leaked like a sieve.” In that video, Trump said he was going to call three companies that he has worked with in the past – “all they do is swimming pools” – and say, “Give me a good price.”
The New York Times reported last Friday that the contract for the reflecting pool’s resurfacing was awarded in a $6.9 million no-bid contract to a company called Atlantic Industrial Coatings, which previously has never held any federal contracts.
An employee at the Atlantic Industrial Coatings confirmed in a telephone call on Monday that it has been contracted for this project, but referred all other questions to the Department of the Interior.
The Times reported on Monday that the final cost of the project could be upward of $13 million, per documents it says it has obtained. The Department of the Interior did not confirm the cost of the project, but wrote: “The contract price reflects the effort necessary to expedite the timeline of completing the leak prevention coating project—more people, more materials, more equipment and longer hours ahead of our 250th.”
Advertisement
In an unsigned statement emailed to NPR Monday afternoon, the Interior Department wrote: “The National Park Service chose the best company to expedite the repair of the iconic Reflecting Pool ahead of our 250 celebrations. The choice of American Flag Blue will enhance the visitor experience by making the pool reflect the grand Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. NPS is also investing in a state-of-the-art ozone nanobubbler filtration system and will now have a dedicated crew who will maintain the grounds’ from wildlife. The Department is proud of the work being carried out by our Park Service to ensure this magical spot can be enjoyed for not only our 250th, but for many generations to come.”
Critics of the project, including TCLF, don’t share that vision – and are taking particular umbrage at the color.
“The reflecting pool should not be viewed in isolation; it is part of the larger ensemble of designed landscapes that comprise the National Mall,” Charles A. Birnbaum, the president and CEO of TCLF, said in a statement emailed to NPR Monday. “The design intent, to create a reflective surface that is subordinate, is fundamental to the solemn and hallowed visual and spatial connection between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. A blue-tinted basin is more appropriate to a resort or theme park.”
The National Park Service regularly cleans out algae, goose droppings and other detritus from the reflecting pool. The last major renovation of the reflecting pool, which included the installation of a new circulation and filtration system, took place during the Obama administration at a reported cost of $34 million.
Before founding TCLF in 2008, Birnbaum served for 15 years as the coordinator of the Historic Landscape Initiative for the National Park Service.
Advertisement
TCLF has another open lawsuit against the federal administration: it is one of eight cultural and architecture groups currently suing President Trump and the Kennedy Center board over the planned renovations of the complex, which are planned to start in July.
The memorial service will be held at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial at 1 p.m.
A brave K-9 hero from the region will be honored at the Annual National Police K9 Memorial Service on Monday afternoon. (Roanoke Police Department)
WASHINGTON D.C. – A brave K-9 hero from the region will be honored at the Annual National Police K9 Memorial Service on Monday afternoon.
K-9 Knox died in the line of duty last year after he was accidentally hit by a police vehicle while pursuing a suspect involved in a stolen vehicle incident. He was a 3-year-old German shepherd and had served as a narcotics detection and patrol apprehension K-9 for the Roanoke Police Department since May 2023.
The memorial service will include a wreath-laying ceremony and will be held at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., at 1 p.m. The event will open with a musical performance by Frank Ray, and the guest speaker will be Deputy Jared Hahn of the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit.
Advertisement
The San Antonio Police Department Blue Line Choir will sing the national anthem, and the Emerald Society Pipes & Drums band will also perform.
Showers continue to move west with a cold front tonight. There will be a break in the rain overnight, but showers return for the start of the day on Monday. Monday afternoon will be dry, but noticeably cooler.
Sunshine returns Tuesday, but the break in the rain will be short-lived with rain chances on Wednesday
Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to check the weather radar on the go.
QuickCast
TONIGHT: Showers early Mostly cloudy Wind: N 5-10 mph LOW: Low 50s
