The year 2012 marks the beginning of a year long celebration of the 25th anniversary of the passing of author/civil rights activist, James Baldwin (1924-1987). In honor of this milestone and to pay homage to the legacy of Mr. Baldwin--, James Baldwin: A Soul on Fire, the critically acclaimed Off-Broadway play by Howard. B. Simon (1962-2000) in association with The Charles Reese Experience and Azaan Kamau/Glover Lane Press will publish and distribute the official play version in preparation for a book signing/reading series to start in February 2012 and continue throughout the year. JAMES BALDWIN: A SOUL ON FIRE is a two character short play which re-imagines what happens when writer/activist James Baldwin invites Lorraine Hansberry, Harry Belafonte and Lena Horne to a round table discussion on race relations with Attorney General Robert Kennedy on May 24, 1963? This theatrical play witnesses a day in the life of James Baldwin as he prepares for this lesser known historical secret meeting in New York City--three months prior to the March on Washington. This uniquely structured play explores the hidden recesses of Baldwin’s innermost passions. The introduction for this rare book was written by David Leeming, James Baldwin's actual biographer! The book cover was custom designed by Azaan Kamau of Glover Lane Press. The book cover image actually consists of 2000 tiny separate images from the 1963 Civil Rights Era. The result is a beautiful photo mosaic of James Baldwin! WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT JAMES BALDWIN: A SOUL ON FIRE! “The best sort of theatrical biography; the sort that thoroughly entertains. With humor, style and raw emotion, .A Soul on Fire. embraces its chosen territory with enthusiasm. All stage biographies should be served so well.” David DeWitt, New York Times “This play is wonderful and should be on theatre schedules around the world!” Emmy Award Winner, Doris Roberts (Everybody Loves Raymond) “Playwright Howard Simon conjures up a dilemma that neatly captures the conflict Baldwin faced between his art and his activism.” Charles McNulty, The Village Voice “ A powerful piece of theatre…everyone should experience this project!” Emmy Award Nominee, CCH Pounder ( Avatar) “Howard Simon’s performance play, James Baldwin: A Soul on Fire is an engrossing poetic display of the religious, political, and internal turmoil that marked the life of one of the great writers of the 20th century”. Jeanette Toomer, Back Stage The play is very moving and highly engaging. My sister, Lorraine would be honored.” Mamie Hansberry (sister of playwright, Lorraine Hansberry) “There are only two actors in this story, but you feel the stage is filled with many more” Lisa Giordano, Show Business News

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