(NOTE: THIS SHOW WILL BE AT CLUB RBC IN DEEP ELLUM. THE VENUE IS NEXT TO TWISTED ROOT AND ITS EXACT ADDRESS IS 2617 COMMERCE ST.)
Comedians aren't just a bunch of goofballs making things up on the spot - they also read books occasionally! This year, improvisers from the Dallas Comedy House have joined the thousands of other Dallasites by participating in Big D Reads. They've all read True Grit as part of the Big D Reads campaign - have you? Read it or not, here they come with a completely improvised interpretation of the novel in celebration this city-wide literacy initiative.
ABOUT BIG D READS
Big D Reads is a community service project designed to immerse Dallas in a shared reading experience, with a specific focus on ninth-grade Dallas ISD students. The program is under way now and will culminate with a citywide initiative throughout the entire month of April.
Big D Reads will conduct dozens of special events centered on one book, including an opening event, a closing event, poetry slams, educational events/speakers, DISD enrichment programs, movie screenings, a festival at Klyde Warren Park, and as many other community interactions as budget allows. At the same time, 17,000 books will be distributed to DISD ninth-graders, as well as to DART riders, visitors in hospital waiting rooms, and all branches of the Dallas Public Library.
ABOUT THE BOOK & PROGRAM
Portis has been described by The New York Times as a “writer’s writer.” His work is truly a literary gem. The telling of young Mattie’s perseverance—her grit—is an inspiration for the young, the marginalized, and all of the Davids who must reckon with the Goliaths of this world, whether it be individuals, social injustices, or economic disadvantages.
Big D Reads looks forward to exploring the meaning of “grit,” discussing the role of the female protagonist, and comparing John Wayne’s portrayal of U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn in the 1969 film to Jeff Bridges’ portrayal of the same character in the 2010 remake by the Coen Brothers. Planning is underway to make Big D Reads 2015 the best year yet. Read with us!
