Local playwright brings show to MLK center

A Long Beach native, who has coalesced his dream of becoming a playwright over the past several years, is bringing his latest play back home to the Martin Luther King Center on Nov. 5.

Travis Wright, 41, said he was always interested in urban theatre growing up, and got started doing shows and skits at Evangel Revival Community Church on National Boulevard.

In 2009, Wright created a production company, and has since written several stage plays, including “The Hour of Temptation” and “Nowadays.” His most recent production, “Beneath the Layers,” which he wrote in 2013, tells the story of what happens when a woman’s ambition for professional success collides with her friend’s greed for it.

“[My plays] are faith-based, and involve messages to motivate and inspire people to go after the best in life, and not let obstacles prevent them from getting what God has for them,” Wright said.

Wright’s influences include well-known playwrights Tyler Perry, JD Lawrence, and David E. Talbert, and though his plays have been shown in youth centers, churches and high schools around Long Island, Wright said he is trying to get them on Manhattan’s stages.

In the meantime though, he said he loves showing his plays where he grew up, and has gotten much support from the local community in previous performances at the center, including a 2010 showing that sold out, and one in 2014 that served as a fundraising event for his hometown church.

“Being from Long Beach, I wanted to get Long Beach behind me, so at least I had some sort of base and following,” said Wright. “For some of the seniors, or all the ones who can’t get out to other places to see my shows, I thought it would be great to bring it back home.”

The upcoming 6 p.m. show at the MLK Center is $32, and includes dinner, which begins at 4:30 p.m.