HBO CELEBRATES THE PREMIERE OF FAHRENHEIT 451 WITH SPEAKEASY 451, A HAVEN FOR THE PRESERVATION OF CULTURE
Pulitzer Prize Winning Author Colson Whitehead, Alvin Ailey’s Robert Battle, The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Kimberly Drew, and More to Program Speakeasy 451
In anticipation of the premiere of HBO Films’ FAHRENHEIT 451 based on the Ray Bradbury novel of the same name, the network today announced Speakeasy 451, a three-night, invite-only event that will provide a platform for cultural discourse and celebration. The event will offer an intimate setting for attendees to comfortably and enthusiastically absorb and revel in some of the most creative contributors to arts, culture, and activism. Pulling from the film’s themes, guests will indulge in meaningful discussions as well as entertainment while immersing themselves in the world of FAHRENHEIT 451.
FAHRENHEIT 451 follows Guy Montag (Michael B. Jordan), the most popular fireman in his district, with a mandate to achieve happiness and social harmony by burning books, deleting and altering history, art, photos and facts. “Natives,” or citizens, mainly stay home, getting anything they need from “Yuxie,” an advanced AI personal assistant that listens to and watches them at all times. “Eels” fight to save books, knowledge and culture. When firemen catch them, they punish Eels in public burnings, which are broadcast to the city; the Eels’ digital identities and histories are wiped clean and they are banished to Talay City, a poor slum with very little technology.
Leaning into the Eels’ fight is how Speakeasy 451 was born. “HBO Films’ FAHRENHEIT 451 draws inspiration from many themes relevant in today’s society.” said Lucinda Martinez, SVP Multicultural and International Marketing at HBO. “Speakeasy 451 is the perfect way for us to celebrate literature, arts, and activism by providing a platform for prominent cultural creators and preservationists to speak to their shared experiences through engaging discussions and performances.”
Speakeasy 451 will be made up of three unique nights of diverse programming moderated by different hosts. Opening night will feature Blavity’s Editor in Chief Lilly Workneh, who will guide conversation with acclaimed writer Colson Whitehead, author of The Underground Railroad. It will also include a performance by singer-songwriter Ella Mai. The second night will be hosted by writer and art critic Antwaun Sargent and feature a discussion with Robert Battle, Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater followed by a performance by musician and playwright Cyrus Aaron. Speakeasy 451 will close with talks from The Metropolitian Museum of Art’s Kimberly Drew and host Mykki Blanco, rapper and performing artist, followed by a performance by singer-songwriter Bosco.
Conversations will be driven by speakers, hosts, performers, and guests, and will cover important societal topics from literature to the arts to censorship; and, in support of the Speakeasy’s message to encourage conversation and spread knowledge, attendees will be asked to bring a book as form of entry to be donated to a local organization.
Speakeasy 451 will take place in Brooklyn on May 16th, 17th and 18th, 2018. FAHRENHEIT 451 premieres on Saturday, May 19 on HBO®. The film will also be available on HBO GO, HBO NOW, HBO On Demand and partner streaming platforms.
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