Remember when "Good Will Hunting" came out? On a plane flight, the book Matt Damon's character happened to be reading was Howard Zinn's "A People's History of the United States." Damon and Ben Affleck were, even back then, fans of the left-wing locally based historian and his eye-opening book - a history of this country told not from the side of the "winners" (the politicians and business leaders) but the other folks, maybe those less prominent or "victorious," but much more pervasive. Recently, in Rolling Stone, Bruce Springsteen was asked about primary influences and he cited Zinn's book. I happened to be interviewing Zinn in his office at Boston University for a video segment on www.newengland.com the day he found out. Zinn always seems a bit amazed at what power and effect his book has on other generations - including many artists and entertainers. But he sure is aware tha that visability doesn't hurt his cause. Which leads us to "The People Speak," four readings of segments from the "People's History" companion book, "The People Speak," at the Cutler Majestic Theatre Wed. Jan. 9. We saw Tuesday's late show on "Women" and it was stirring. (I'll have a piece in next week's Boston Phoenix about the whole shebang.) Coming up: "Race," (Wed., 2 p.m.) and "War" (Wed., 7 p.m.) Actors reading include Michael Ealy, Josh Brolin, David Starhairn, Jasmine Guy, Staceyann Chin, Danny Glover, Darryl McDaniels (DMC of Run-DMC). Two songs will be sung by John Legend at the late show, including Nina Simone's "Mississippi Goddamn" at the conclusion. Here's another cool thing: Tickets are free. But it's not done on a walk-in basis. You must respond to the email/evite address
and say which performance you'd like to see. Consider it a very prominent mix of celebrity and politics, a lovely way to immerse yourself in some things you might not know about our country as the presidential primary season begins. The readings, by the way, are being taped for a future film or mini-series (HBO? PBS?) so don't be perturbed by the cameras.
ople's History of the United States." Damon and Ben Affleck were, even back then, fans of the left-wing locally based historian and his eye-opening book - a history of this country told not from the side of the "winners" (the politicians and business leaders) but the other folks, maybe those less prominent or "victorious," but much more pervasive. Recently, in Rolling Stone, Bruce Springsteen was asked about primary influences and he cited Zinn's book. I happened to be interviewing Zinn in his office at Boston University for a video segment on 