Join us for our next book in the Rubber Banned Book Club!
CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED, NATIONAL BESTSELLER
Published in 1953, Ray Bradbury’s novel paints a bleak picture of a society where books are banned and “firemen” burn any that are found. The story is set in an American city in the future where intellectualism and critical thinking is discouraged. The protagonist, Guy Montag, is a fireman who, ironically, starts questioning the oppressive regime he serves after an encounter with a free-spirited young woman named Clarisse.
WHY WAS THIS BOOK BANNED IN SOME SCHOOLS & STATES?
“Ironic as it may seem given the role that book burning plays in the novel itself, Fahrenheit 451 has faced multiple censorship and banning attempts throughout the years, primarily for vulgarity and discussions about drugs. In 1967, and edition known as the “Bal-Hi edition” censored swear words and changed “drunk man” to sick man. In a similar instance in 1992, obscenities were once again censored by the school system. A more recent attempted happened in 2006 where the novel was challenged in Texas for going against religious beliefs (because a Bible was banned and burned) in addition to the common criticism that the novel contains “dirty talk”. Despite the efforts by parents and schools to ban or at least censor the book, any censorship made did not last long due to complaints by teachers or other parents.”
Source: “The Banned Books Project”, Carnegie Mellon University
HOW DOES THE CLUB WORK?
Admission is free. There are 2 sessions. Professional artists will read aloud sections of the book and members discuss.
Aug 27 (6:30-8:00pm) – meet at the theater (5627 N Lincoln, Chicago).
Sept 24 (6:30-8:00pm Central) – meet via Zoom.
CREATIVE TEAM
RAY BRADBURY was born August 22, 1920 in Waukegan, Illinois. When he was 14, Bradbury’s family moved to Los Angeles, California. Bradbury was an avid reader and writer growing up and often spent his time reading horror, science fiction, and comic books. He published his first short story in a fan magazine at the age of 18. Bradbury’s first collection of short stories, Dark Carnival, was published in 1947 and in 1949, his first novel, The Martian Chronicles, was released. Other works of Bradbury include The Veldt, The Pedestrian, The Halloween Tree, There Will Come Soft Rains, and I Sing the Body Electric. Bradbury won a multitude of awards for his works such as the Bram Stroker Award, the Geffen Awards, and the Retro Hugo award as well as being induced into various halls of fame. In 1947, Bradbury married his wife Maggie and they had four daughters and eight grandchildren. On June 5, 2012, Ray Bradbury died in Los Angeles at the age of 91.
MANNY BUCKLEY is an Ensemble member of American Blues Theater. He is a Chicago based actor, director, and writer. Directing credits include Driving Miss Daisy, The Bad Seed (Jedlicka Performing Arts), Kingdom, an audio play (Broken Nose Theatre), Uhuru, Cane, Origin Story, Mother of Pearl and The Reapers On Woodbrook Avenue (Blue Ink Festival), multiple short plays in the Ripped: The Living Newspaper, #ENOUGH: Plays to End Gun Violence, and The One Minute Play Festival. Acting credits include work with Chicago Shakespeare, Steppenwolf, Goodman, Court, Victory Gardens, Chicago Dramatists, Next Theater, House Theatre, Shattered Globe Theater, Cincinnati Children’s Theatre and Studio Theatre. Manny has numerous credits with American Blues Theater, including his critically-acclaimed, award-winning solo performance in Looking Over the President’s Shoulder. Film credits: Proven Innocent, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, The US Navy, Northwestern University, and The Onion. He has received nominations for the Joseph Jefferson Award, the Helen Hayes Award and the 3Arts Award; he is the recipient of both a Black Theater Alliance Award and Black Excellence Award. Mr. Buckley was recently seen in American Blues Theater’s sold-out production of Fences and annually in American Blues’ annual production of It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!
IAN PAUL CUSTER is a Chicago actor and musician and a proud Ensemble Member of American Blues Theatre. American Blues credits include: Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Jeff Award, Best Ensemble, Best Musical – Midsize), The Columnist, Little Shop of Horrors, and It’s A Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! (Jeff Nominations for Best Play/Musical of the Year). Chicago credits: Ian has worked with the Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf, TimeLine, Theater Wit, Marriott Theatre, Paramount Theatre, and The Lyric Opera of Chicago. Television credits: NBC, FOX, and HBO. Ian received his BFA from The Theatre School at DePaul University.