Mike Wiley Productions: Breach of Peace, Stories of the Freedom Riders of 1961

Mike Wiley, a native of Roanoke, Virginia, is a North Carolina-based playwright and actor known for his distinctive works in documentary theater, film, and educational residencies. His acclaimed dramas tell the stories of fugitive slaves, civil rights leaders, sports heroes, and freedom fighters, offering penetrating views into African American history.

Wiley’s one-man shows often feature dozens of characters, morphing between races, ages, and genders to inspire audiences to apply history’s lessons to contemporary issues. An M.F.A. graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Wiley has written more than a dozen original theatrical works, including eight one-person plays he tours across the U.S. His ensemble-cast works have been produced by notable companies such as Guthrie Theatre and Playmakers Repertory Company.

In 2025, Wiley and Howard Craft co-wrote two new plays: "Changing Same: The Cold-Blooded Murder of Booker T. Spicely" and "The Christmas Case of Hesekiah Jones." His 2022 play "Rebellious" highlights the Bennett College Belles' role in the Greensboro sit-in movement. Wiley’s 2021 work "Peace of Clay," co-written with Craft, explores a young teen’s dreams and obstacles in the 1980s South.

Wiley's play "Leaving Eden," with music by Laurelyn Dossett, had a record-breaking run at Playmakers Repertory Company in 2018. His earlier works include "Down Range: Voices from the Home Front" and "The Parchman Hour: Songs and Stories of the 1961 Freedom Riders."

Wiley tours eight original one-man performances, including "One Noble Journey: A Box Marked Freedom" and "Dar He: The Story of Emmett Till," which was adapted into an award-winning feature film. He has received numerous accolades, including the UNC-Chapel Hill Distinguished Alumni Award and the 2020 Andre DeShields Best Actor Award.

Wiley is currently Artist in Residence at Duke University’s Kenan Institute for Ethics and Assistant Research Professor of Arts, Ethics, and Education.