Broadway, TV Actor Performs 'Black Boy' One Man Show at TAMIU, Friday, Feb. 17

As part of Black History Month, Texas A&M International University will present "Black Boy," a dramatization of Richard Wright's autobiographical novel, Black Boy on Friday, Feb. 17 at 8 p.m. in the TAMIU Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall.  Broadway actor Charles Holt will appear in the one man show.

The presentation is part of TAMIU's observance of Black History Month.

This performance is free and open to the public. Tickets will be available after Feb. 1. The performance is made possible through a grant from the Texas Humanities Commission and in collaboration with the American Place Theatre of New York.

"Initiated by Dr. Ezra Engling, Black History Month in February has been observed by the University for several years and I thought a cultural event involving a major African American author would be very appropriate in the context of Black History Month this year. Mr. Charles Holt is a Broadway actor and he has performed 'Black Boy' as a one-man show on many campuses, including Texas A&M University in College Station," said Dr. Faridoun Farrokh, professor of English.

The performance is a theatrical verbatim adaptation of the classic American autobiographical work, Black Boy that dramatizes Richard Wright's journey from childhood innocence to adulthood in the Jim Crow South. Black Boy describes vividly Wright's harsh childhood and youth in rural Mississippi and in Memphis, Tenn.

"Richard Wright is a very important author within the continuum of American literature. His best-known work, Native Son and Black Boy, written in the 1930s, continue to be widely read and appreciated as highly reflective of social conditions and race relations of the time," added Dr. Farrokh.

Prior to the performance, there will be a panel discussion with Holt and some TAMIU professors sponsored by the TAMIU D.D. Hachar Honors Program. This event is also open to the public.

Farrokh encourages the entire University community and all Laredoans interested in drama and history to attend.

"The show, in addition to being highly enlightening is also very entertaining. Mr. Holt is an accomplished actor, capable of bringing to life the character he is portraying in his performance," explained Farrokh.

Holt is a native of Nashville, Tenn., and after a brief career in the corporate world,  enrolled in an acting class and realized how much he liked performing. He moved to New York and has starred in some of the most celebrated and spectacular shows to hit the stage. This is his fifth touring season of "Black Boy," which has received high marks and critical acclaim from Richard Wright Scholars.

He is also familiar to TV viewers for his appearances on "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" as Detective Gilman. He also had a supporting lead in the award-winning independent film, "Anne B. Real," and last summer starred in the comedic short, "The Making Of ..." and the poignant drama, "Ed's Trip."

"Black Boy" was created by American Place Theatre's Wynn Handman, who will also direct the performance.

For more information, please contact Dr. Farrokh at 326.2602, e-mail ffarrokh@tamiu.edu, or visit offices in Pellegrino Hall 216C or call the department of languages and literature at 326.2470.

University office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu