David Mamet: Textual Perversity From Chicago

When the Harry Ransom Center acquired the papers of dramatist, screenwriter, director, teacher, and essayist David Mamet last year, one of the sweetest parts of the deal was Mamet's agreement to participate in a series of short residencies at the University of Texas over the next few years. The idea is for him to come to Austin for a couple of days each time and give a lecture, present a reading, work with students on a stage production – whatever the school and center felt would be useful. This week, Mamet is making the first of those visits, and one thing the Ransom Center has asked him to do is take part in a public conversation about his work and career. So, on Monday, Feb. 4, at 6:30pm, this remarkable man of letters will take the stage in Hogg Auditorium to discuss works from Glengarry Glen Ross and American Buffalo to House of Games and State and Main; his new play on Broadway, the political comedy November; his new film, Redbelt; his current television series, The Unit; his days in Chicago; his feelings about Hollywood; and maybe even the state of the union. You'll also have to listen to this writer toss the questions at him, but I promise to keep my comments to a minimum.

The event is free, but tickets are required, and at press time the Ransom Center had distributed all the tickets it had. However, a standby line will be started at 5:30pm on Monday in case all the seats are not filled. For more information, visit www.hrc.utexas.edu.