LAS VEGAS--January 28, 2009--Each academic year, the Black Mountain Institute (BMI) at UNLV presents distinguished speakers and writers from across the nation and globe who specialize in literature, politics, social issues and international affairs to participate in a thought-provoking lecture series. The BMI's Forum on Contemporary Cultures has scheduled three events this semester, which are free and open to the public. The following is a list of scheduled events. Times are subject to change. Media is invited to the events.
Reading and conversation with Russell Banks
Date/Time: Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m.
Location: UNLV Student Union Theatre, 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy.
Description: Russell Banks is an award-winning novelist and founding president of Cities of Refuge North America and a member of the American of Arts and Letters and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He is the author of many novels including "Affliction," "The Sweet Hereafter" and "The Darling," which is a under movie production by director Martin Scorsese. The event is co-sponsored by the UNLV Department of English.
Books into Film with Elvis Mitchell and novelist Russell Banks
Date/Time: Wednesday, March 11, 7 p.m.
Location: UNLV Student Union Theatre, 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy.
Description: Elvis Mitchell is a former New York Times film critic and is known for his work on Turner Classic Movies and National Public Radio. Mitchell and Banks will discuss the challenges of adapting books to the big screen and will take questions from the audience.
Literary Perspectives with Black Mountain Institute Fellows
Date/Time: Monday, April 27, 7 p.m.
Location: Marjorie Barrick Museum Auditorium at UNLV, 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy.
Description: BMI writers-in-residence Luljeta Lleshanaku, Mary Palvesky and Robert Rosenberg will present an overview of their literary work. Each writer is completing a prestigious nine-month fellowship designed to give them ample time to develop a literary piece in an environment free from distractions.
For more information, please contact the Black Mountain Institute at (702) 895-5542 or via e-mail at: blackmountaininstitute@unlv.edu.