Martin tops Trumbo event
The event --- a benefit for the First Amendment/Blacklist Project --- marks the first dramatic stage performance for Martin since he appeared in "Waiting for Godot" with Bill Irwin and Robin Williams at Lincoln Center in 1988. His more recent stage work has been as a writer.
"We just approached him about the idea of doing it and he accepted," Christopher Trumbo said. "The family has known Steve going back about 30 years and he knew (Dalton) Trumbo quite well." Christopher is Dalton's son.
Martin in effect plays the writer, reading the actual letters to friends and associates during the period when he wrote under assumed names. The other major part is that of a narrator, to be played by Ed Asner. The production has two additional cameos which Jeff Corey and Jennifer Salt will perform.
Dalton Trumbo, one of the dubbed Hollywood 10, was among the busiest blacklisted screenwriters during the Red Scare period. His screenplays of "Roman Holiday" and "The Brave One," credited to other writers or aliases, received Oscars in 1953 and 1956. His official screen credits for both "Spartacus" and "Exodus" in 1960 are often cited as the beginning of the breakup of the film industry's lockout of presumed Communists and sympathizers.
Additional program and ticket information is available by contacting the First Amendment Project at: (310)-226-6115.
