Speaking of Stories

transforming short stories from the page to the stage

 

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HARRY LENNIX

Harry Lennix is a native of Chicago's South Side, where he was a student ofQuigley Preparatory Seminary.   While attending Northwestern University, Mr.Lennix served as the Coordinator of For Members Only, the organisation for frican-American students. He also received the Sandra Singer award for outstanding students from the  School of Communication. His professional stage career began while there.

For several years, Lennix served as a permanent substitute teacher at Perkins Bass Elementary School. Pursuing his acting career after school hours, he worked several of Chicago's most prominent theatres: The Goodman, Steppenwolf, Wisdom Bridge, Pegasus Players, and The Court.  Among his favourite roles: Malcolm X, Jay Gatsby, Othello, Levee (from August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom).

With longtime friend and colleague Chuck Smith, Lennix formed Legacy Productions.  The company has produced and mounted plays throughout the United States. These include The Glass Menagerie, The Meeting, and The Last Season. Both men are members of the artistic staff of The Goodman Theatre.

After moving to New York, Lennix began a long association with Theater for a New Audience and Tony winning director, Julie Taymor.  With Ms. Taymor, Lennix worked on Titus Andronicus.  A few years later, Lennix would return to his role of the villainous Aaron The Moor in the Taymor film of Titus, starring with Sir Anthony Hopkins and Jessica Lange. For his performance, Lennix was honoured with the Golden Satellite Award from the International Press Academy, and The Tree of Life Award from the NAACP. In the intervening time, Lennix worked on several projects in film, television, and the theatre. Television work included appearances on E.R., The Practice, and Ally McBeal. Film work included: Bob Roberts, Mo' Money, Spike Lee's Get On The Bus, and Clockers.   In the theatre, Mr. Lennix was the recipient of numerous awards and nominations for acting his work.

For ShowtimeE, Lennix starred as Rev. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. with Vanessa Williams in Keep the Faith, Baby--the story of the revolutionary Harlem Congressman.  He has been nominated this year for an NAACP image award for best actor in a television film. Harry has also worked with best friend Nick Gillie in Never Get Out of the Boat, and recently completed filming on The Human StainMatrix Reloaded and Matrix Revolutions together with filming on Suspect Zero with Sir Ben Kingsley. 

Last year,  Harry  travelled to Stratford, England to perform with Tfana in Cymbeline at the Royal Shakespeare Company. He also starred in King Hedley II.

 

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