BELLOWS FALLS — A performance of Marx in Soho will benefit Making the Most of I (MMI) on Saturday, Feb. 11, at 7:30 p.m., at Stone Church Arts, 20 Church St.
Internationally acclaimed actor Jerry Levy will perform the one-man play, written by historian, author, and activist Howard Zinn.
MMI is a small nonprofit organization, based in Saxtons River, which has served more than 1,200 low-income women in transition in various locations throughout the state since its founding in 1998 by director Nancy Clingan.
MMI offers a free 14-week course to women who need support to improve self esteem, reduce stress, improve communication skills, and resolve conflicts.
Levy is donating his time, and the Stone Church is donating the space.
Making the Most of I board member, Rupa Cousins, also an actor and director, said that “watching Jerry Levy play Karl Marx is like being with Karl Marx after he has been observing our country and the economic situation we are confronted with these days.”
Cousins said she has seen Levy's performance of Zinn's play twice, and has marveled at Levy's interpretation of Zinn's work.
“Zinn gives us the possibility of hope for the future by looking back at the past,” said Cousins. “The situation is that Karl Marx has been accidentally dropped not in London's Soho where he lived as an adult, but Soho in New York City, and the time is now. Yes, this play is really timely, and is a powerful awakening to a man whose views are often vilified but whose voice needs a second listen.”
Levy has taught sociology at Marlboro College and performed with the Actors' Theater of Brattleboro since he moved to the area from Chicago in 1975.
Originally directed by Michael Fox Kennedy, Levy has been on the road with Zinn's version of Karl Marx for many years, performing the show extensively around this country and in Europe.
Tickets for the Feb. 11 performance will be on sale at the door only. Prices are $12, or $10 for seniors, students, and children, though no one will be turned away for lack of funds, Clingan said, and larger donations are welcome as well. Refreshments will be served, and there will be a 50/50 raffle.
For information about the play, visit www.levyarts.com; for information about Making the Most of I, visit www.makingthemostofi.org or contact Clingan at 802-869-2456.