The Writings of Frederick A. Douglass

February 8th 6:00-7:00 pm
$10.00 suggested donation

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On February 8th at 6:00 p.m. at the Hurleyville Arts Centre, G. Oliver King will bring to life the insightful writings of Frederick A. Douglass during a bicentennial tribute to the great abolitionist and statesman. The words the audience will hear are direct quotes from Douglass’ infamous oration “What to The American Slave is Your 4th of July” first presented in 1852 at Corinthian Hall in Rochester NY.

Douglass’ words are portrayed with great insight, tremendous passion and incredible thoughtfulness by Mr. King: “For years I’ve done excerpts of Douglass’ works for the SC Chapter of the Association for the study of African-American Life and History during Black History Month and have always been honored – yet humbled – to portray a person of such enormous human and historical dimensions.”

A more complex luminary, inextricably seething with pure, innocent, instinctual primal rage and compassion has rarely graced the pages of American History. He was truly unique – a veritable pioneer in the efforts toward abolition. Portraying him with honesty leaves me breathless and often choking back tears.” In continuation of this remarkable celebration Mr. King will also be appearing with a different program at SUNY Sullivans’ Seelig Theatre on February 14th – Douglass’ 200th Birthday, at 12:00 noon with direct quotes from Douglass’ AUTOBIOGRAPHY – “Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave” published in 1845.

Oliver King Bio:
As a teenager I had the unique pleasure of working with GERALDINE FITZGERALD and MARKETA KIMBRELL, both of who insisted I study with LEE STRASBERG. I did so and the man literally not only changed my life, but my entire outlook an the art of being an actor. Over the past few years I have portrayed “EBENEZER SCROOGE” in A CHRISTMAS CAROL, “KRIS KRINGLE” in MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET and several characters (including Bailey’s youngest son ‘PETE’) in “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE” all with the SULLIVAN COUNTY DRAMATIC WORKSHOP. I performed in and choreographed several productions with the DELAWARE VALLEY OPERA and staged my version of SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK for four summers at LaPolt PARK in the Village of Liberty NY with At-Risk Youth and their families. I was the first to produce and direct Sullivan County’s first all African-American production by staging an “upgraded” version of A RAISIN IN THE SUN.Most recently I played CAPTAIN GILROY in NACL’s production of “COURAGE” which was presented in Sullivan County at APPLE POND FARM and on NYC’s GOVERNOR’S ISLAND. I look forward to this first Black History Month Celebration with you.