February 7, 2012

          This date is the bicentennial of the birth of Mr. Charles John Huffam Dickens, the prolific English writer who revolutionized the Victorian era of English history and established many Christmas customs still honored and observed today.

          Prolific actor Dwain W. Penn was watching an episode of Jeopardy! during the waning months of 2010 when a clue divulged Dickens’ date of birth.  Within seconds of learning the factoid, Penn had settled it in his heart to mark the occasion in some grand way.  As months passed in 2011, Penn began to create mental images of what the program would be like.  He decided to recreate Dickens’ American lecture tour that took place from 1867 – 1868, just two years before Dickens’ death.

          Charles Dickens’ literary career spanned four decades (1833 – 1870) and he started doing public readings in England in 1853 after an Italian tour with painter Augustus Egg and author Wilkie Collins.  To vent some of his creative energies, Dickens started an amateur theatrical company in 1845.

          Penn will open the February 7 program with a brief biographical sketch of Dickens’ life, peppered with amusing anecdotes and observances.  The second half of the program will have Penn reading excerpts from many of Dickens’ prominent works, such as: Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol, Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Great Expectations, Bleak House, A Tale of Two Cities and The Mystery of Edwin Drood.

          A very profound and powerful announcement will close the presentation to the delight of every audience member in attendance.  Portrayals and/or topics of discussion will include the consumption of wine and the partaking of chewing tobacco.

          The Tuesday, February 7 shows will be 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., at the Thomaston-Upson Historical Archives, 301 South Center Street.  The archives phone number is 706-646-2437.  The Sunday, February 19 show will be 3 p.m. at New Hebron Baptist Church, 570 New Hebron Church Road, Concord, Georgia.  (Wine will not be consumed at the church.)  All shows are free despite what Mr. Dickens himself might suggest!

          Dwain W. Penn may be reached anytime at 770-567-4113.