Tony Award nominee Calvin Levels will perform his solo play, “James Baldwin: Down from the Mountaintop,” Monday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. in the Nott Memorial. The play, part of the College’s Presidential Forum on Diversity, caps a daylong celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The performance, which is free and open to the public, will be followed by a question-and answer-session and a reception at 8:30 p.m. in the Nott.
The two-act play traces the life of Baldwin, the esteemed playwright, novelist and civil rights activist, from his early years as a fiery young minister in Harlem to his involvement with the civil rights movement. It culminates with his death in 1987 at his home in the South of France.
Levels’ theater achievements include best actor nominations for the Tony, New York Drama Desk Award and New York Outer Critics Circle Award. He captured the Theatre World Award for Outstanding New Talent and was honored by the National James Baldwin Literary Society for his contribution to the legacy of James Baldwin.
He has also appeared in numerous television network shows.
Screenings, music and more
On Monday at 6 p.m. in the Nott, before Levels takes to the stage, there will be a screening of Dr. King’s best known speech, “I Have a Dream,” along with audio of “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” Performances by the College’s Gospel Choir and the Garnet Minstrels will follow. A student exhibit, “1,000 Hands: Embracing all Cultures,” will be on display.
The College’s Jazz Quartet will perform during intermission.
In addition, the acclaimed documentary, “Eyes on the Prize,” which depicts the American civil rights movement, will be shown from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Reamer Campus Center Auditorium.
For more on Union’s celebration of the life and teachings of Martin Luther King Jr., contact Gretchel Tyson at ext. 6609 or via e-mail at tysong@union.edu.
A clothing drive
And in keeping with the spirit of Dr. King’s legacy of community outreach, the Zeta Gamma Chapter of Iota Phi Theta and the Black Student Union are holding a coat and clothing drive at Reamer Campus Center, West Dining Hall and College Park Hall, Jan. 21-27. All clean clothes and coats in good condition are appreciated.