James Earl Jones at SUNY New Paltz

NEW PALTZ — Celebrated actor James Earl Jones will present a program of dramatic readings and commentary titled “Shakespeare in the Minority Key” on Friday, September 10, 2004 at the Julien J. Studley Theatre, SUNY New Paltz. The event is presented by the Department of Theatre Arts and the School of Fine & Performing Arts.

In “Shakespeare in the Minority Key,” James Earl Jones discusses his lifelong love of Shakespeare’s works and the relevance today of these timeless themes. Interspersed in his talk are dramatic readings of such intriguing characters as Shylock and The Prince of Morocco from “The Merchant of Venice,” Aaron The Moor from “Titus Andronicus,” and the stage role in which James Earl Jones is imminently recognizable, “Othello.”

James Earl Jones continues in a series of impressive stage, film and television roles always capturing worldwide attention. Among his recent roles, Jones was seen in “Cry the Beloved Country,” a story of Apartheid in South Africa, which also stars Richard Harris. Other roles include TNT’s “Percy and Thunder,” a boxing story which also stars Billy Dee Williams, as well as in the title role in “The Vernon Jones Story,” the true story of the late civil rights leader. He also appeared with Dana Carvey in the MGM comedy “Clean Slate,” and once again starred with Harrison Ford in “Clear and Present Danger,” the third in a highly popular group of Paramount films based on the best-selling books by Tom Clancy.

Tickets to “Shakespeare in the Minority Key” are $60 premium orchestra, $45 orchestra, $25 orchestra rear and balcony. They are available online at www.newpaltz.edu/artsnews. Box Office opens August 30. Call 845-257-3880 for information.

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