Bob Weick coming to campus Friday to perform 'Marx in Soho'
As performer Bob Weick pointed out, not many people get a chance to spend an evening with Karl Marx.
Weick's presentation of Howard Zinn's play “Marx in Soho” will give viewers exactly that opportunity.
He has traveled the country sharing the play, but this will be his first visit to Central Michigan University. Friday will be his 224th rendition since he started acting in 1995.
The play will run from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday in Warriner Hall's Plachta Auditorium. This event is free.
Detailing some of Karl Marx's ideals and dreams, “Marx in Soho” is designed to entertain as well as educate.
“It's not a lecture,” Weick said. “It's quite funny and passionate and informative, but in an entertaining way.”
Brigitte Bechtold, professor and chairwoman of the department of sociology, anthropology and social work, had the chance to see Weick's performance at a Michigan Sociological Association meeting in Bay City and said she was very impressed.
“I immediately decided that I had to bring him to the CMU campus for a performance,” Bechtold said. “Especially during an election year, students will be interested in a play that addresses social issues.”
Weick said he started performing “Marx in Soho” in response to the 2000 presidential election, 9/11 and the rush to war with Iraq. He said this play was one way he was going to educate himself about fundamental driving forces in society.
“Forces that make the world such a cruel and violent place for so many people,” he said. “A world my kids did not deserve to inherit.”
He said he wanted to encourage critical thinking and discussion by bringing the play around the country.
Bechtold said she thinks it is an important play students will appreciate. She said Weick really connects with each audience member and makes them feel like Marx is talking to them directly.
