UNCA to Host Mark Twain Performances

Cal Pritner as Mark Twain

Mark Twain's timeless wit, humor and wisdom will take center stage at UNC Asheville on Tuesday, April 22. Veteran actor Cal Pritner will perform his two original, one-man shows, "Mark Twain: Unlearning Racism" and "Mark Twain: Traveling." Both are open to the public.

A free performance of "Mark Twain: Unlearning Racism" will be given at 12:15 p.m. in Lipinsky Auditorium as part of UNCA's Arts and Ideas program. "Twain grew up in a slave-owning family. He was a racist who reformed himself," said Pritner. "I'm impressed by his continual growth and by his stubborn humanity. The show explores this seriously, not humorously."

"Mark Twain: Traveling" will be performed at 7:30 p.m. in the Owen Conference Center. This show focuses on Twain's travels across America and to countries around the world. Twain's first books were stories of his travels. "He wrote about Europe in a way that was profoundly different from previous Americans," Pritner said. "Twain was totally irreverent and people loved it -- after they got over the shock."

Pritner is the founding artistic director of the Illinois Shakespeare Festival and recently played the part of Prospero in the Arizona Shakespeare Festival production of "The Tempest." He has appeared on several television programs, including "The Speck Murders," "The
A-Team," "Hunter" and "The Untouchables." Pritner also portrayed the Missouri governor in Robert Altman's feature film, "Kansas City." 

Tickets for "Mark Twain: Traveling" are $9 general admission and $7 senior citizens. Tickets can be purchased by calling the TheatreUNCA box office at 828/232-2291 or online after April 17.

For more information, call UNCA's Drama Department at 828/232-6610.

Media Contacts:

• Dr. Scott Walters, UNCA Assistant Professor of Drama, 828/251-6650
• Jill Yarnall, UNCA Public Information Assistant Director, 828/251-6526