Talks
The People Speak
- 7:30PM
Based on the work of Howard Zinn (1922–2010)
Directed by Anthony Arnove
In association with Voices of a People’s History
Co-presented by BAM and the Onassis Cultural Center New York
Part of Onassis Programs at BAM
Readings and performances by:
Staceyann Chin
Maggie Gyllenhaal
Brian Jones
Talib Kweli
Aasif Mandvi
Frances McDormand
Stew, Heidi & The Von Trapped
Martha Redbone
Peter Sarsgaard
David Strathairn
Marisa Tomei
And more artists to be confirmed
Some of today’s leading performers and artists give voice to those figures neglected by history. The People Speak builds on the work of historian Howard Zinn (1922–2010) to bring to life the extraordinary contribution of women, African-Americans, Native Americans, immigrants, and laborers who built the movements that made the United States what it is today: ending slavery and Jim Crow, protesting war and the genocide of Native Americans, creating unions and the eight-hour work day, advancing women’s rights and gay liberation, and struggling to right wrongs of the day.
By giving public expression, in the form of music and readings, to these rebels, dissenters, and visionaries from our past, The People Speak works to educate and inspire a new generation of people working for social justice.
Presented in conjunction with the exhibition A World of Emotions: Ancient Greece, 700 BC—200 AD, on view at the Onassis Cultural Center New York from March 9 through June 24, 2017. Free Admission.
This talk is currently sold out, but don’t despair.
Additional seats may become available on the day of the talk due to returns. These seats are sold on a first-come, first-served basis right before the show starts.
For updates on availability, follow @BAM_Brooklyn on Twitter.

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