Actor and Monologuist
Howard Zinn’s “Marx in Soho”
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
The Depot, 7:00 p.m.
Returning to earth for one hour to clear his name, Karl Marx launches into a passionate, funny and moving defense of his life and political ideas in Howard Zinn’s brilliant, timely play, Marx in Soho. The play is an excellent introduction to Marx’s life, his passion for radical change, his analysis of society, and its relevance to current events, trends, and developments.
Topical Background
Karl Marx was born on May 5, 1818 in Trier, Germany. He studied jurisprudence and law at the University of Bonn and the University of Berlin. In 1843, the 25-year-old Marx moved to Paris, where he devoted himself primarily to studying political economy and the history of the French Revolution. In 1845, Marx moved to Brussels after the Paris authorities ordered him to leave for openly approving the assassination attempt on the King of Prussia. In 1849, Marx moved to London and remained there for the rest of his life. In London, Marx devoted himself to understanding political economy and capitalism, and to revolutionary activities. He argued that capitalism would inevitably produce internal tensions which would lead to its destruction. Marx also led the First International, a socialist movement from 1863 to 1876.
Marx was a philosopher, political economist, and a historian. His ideas are credited as the foundation of modern communism. Some of his well-known works include Wage-Labor and Capital (1847), the Manifesto of the Communist Party (1848), and the Capital (1867). He died on March 14, 1883. His body is buried in Highgate Cemetery, London.
Biography (provided by the speaker)
Bob Weick, national touring actor of Howard Zinn’s, “Marx in Soho.” The celebrated actor and 2003 Barrymore Award nominee has presented over 160 performances of Zinn’s play from Maine to California. A Graduate of Lehigh University and a farrier by trade, Bob began his acting career in 1995 and in the aftermath of the 2000 election, 9/11, and the 2003 invasion of Iraq, chose to use his talent to contribute to the education and engagement of students and citizens.
About the Author
Renowned historian and activist, Howard Zinn, is widely known for his books A People’s History of the United States, and The Twentieth Century, to name a few. Professor emeritus at Boston University, Zinn grew up in Brooklyn and worked in the shipyards before serving as an Air Force bombardier in WWII. Zinn was the chair of the history department at Spelman College where he actively participated in the civil rights movement. He now lives in Massachusetts and lectures widely on history and politics.
Related Readings
Short Works:
The Communist Manifesto by KM
Artists in time of War and War and Terrorism, by Howard Zinn
Longer Works:
Jihad vs. McWorld by Benjamin Barber
A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn
The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith
Agrarian Justice by Thomas Paine
For more information about the play, please visit http://www.ironagetheatre.org/.