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Charlize Theron And Kweku Mandela Kick Off Nelson Mandela Celebration At The Geffen Playhouse
By: A.A. Cristi Feb. 06, 2018
On the occasion of what would mark the 100th birthday of Nelson Mandela, Academy Award-winning actress and super-philanthropist Charlize Theron and House of Mandela Family Foundation Co-Founder Kweku Mandela will kick off a series of events in a yearlong celebration in his honor.
The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 10, at The Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. It will be a moderated conversation lead by journalist Soledad O'Brien and will discuss the universal theme of freedom that was reflected throughout Nelson Mandela's life. Activist and comedian Chelsea Handler will make opening remarks at the event.
"It's an incredible honor to take part in this event and to have the chance to reflect on what an inspirational hero Nelson Mandela was," says Charlize Theron, founder of the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project. "His legacy continues to inspire people from around the world to stand up for what is right, to promote equality and inclusion, and to do so with empathy, compassion, and understanding. His message is as powerful and relevant today as it ever was."
The intimate conversation for 125 guests is part of Geffen Playhouse Unscripted Live, a speaker series generously supported by Loretta and Victor Kaufman and produced by Pamela Robinson and Loretta Kaufman. The conversation will be shared worldwide at a later date through the Geffen's podcast, Unscripted, on PodcastOne.
"We've been through a lot as humanity in the past year," adds Kweku Mandela. "2017 saw a lot of division, anger and fear. I'm excited to kick off 2018-the year of my grandfather's centennial birthday-with my dear friend Charlize, and her organization, CTAOP, which proves that human connection can be a solution and that love can trump hate."
The fundraising event will be held in the Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater at The Geffen Playhouse and will allow attendees the opportunity to support The Geffen Playhouse High School Partnerships Program and the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project.
Individual tickets priced at $500 are available to attend the cocktail hour and conversation.
Contact development@joshwoodproduction.com to inquire about remaining ticket sales.
The Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP) invests in African youth to keep them safe from HIV/AIDS. CTAOP was created in 2007 by Charlize Theron, Academy Award-winning actor and UN Messenger of Peace, with the hope of making a difference in fighting HIV in her home country of South Africa. Although the geographic scope of CTAOP is Sub-Saharan Africa, South Africa has remained the primary area of focus with the highest number of people living with HIV in the world. To date, CTAOP supported programs have reached over 300,000 young people with critical health services and education. www.CharlizeAfricaOutreach.org
ABOUT GEFFEN PLAYGROUND
Geffen Playhouse has been a hub of the Los Angeles theater scene since opening its doors in 1995. Noted for its intimacy and celebrated for its world-renowned mix of classic and contemporary plays, provocative new works and second productions, the non-profit organization continues to present a body of work that has garnered national recognition. Named in honor of entertainment mogul and philanthropist David Geffen, who made the initial donation to the theater, the company was founded by Gilbert Cates and is currently helmed by Executive Director Gil Cates, Jr., Artistic Director Matt Shakman and Board Chair Howard Tenenbaum. Proudly associated with UCLA, the Geffen welcomes an audience of more than 130,000 each year, and maintains an extensive education and outreach program, designed to engage young people and the community at large in the arts. www.GeffenPlayhouse.org
ABOUT THE HOUSE OF MANDELA
The House of Mandela is the organization through which the proud descendants of the late Nelson Mandela preserve the history and legacy of the family name and continue his good works towards unity and compassion across global races, religions and genders. The story, culture and values of the family are closely linked with the life and times of Africa and her people: resilience, compassion and courage. The Mandela name can be traced back to the 18th century, to a small village in the Eastern Cape, where the great Chief Mphakanyiswa of Mvezo and father to Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela ruled.
ABOUT JWP
Josh Wood Productions brings you the best in full service event production, sponsorship integration, trend promotion and talent booking. We produce concerts, theatrical productions, gala dinners, innovative parties and political happenings. From New York to Venice, from Paris to Los Angeles, our company presents provocative and socially-conscious global special events.
ABOUT PODCASTONE
PodcastOne, the nation's leading advertiser-supported podcast network, was founded by Norm Pattiz, founder of radio-giant Westwood One. The network currently hosts more than 200 of today's most popular podcasts, including Adam Carolla, Shaquille O'Neal, Norman Lear, Steve Austin, Heather and Terry Dubrow, Jim Harbaugh, Geffen Playhouse, Dan Patrick, Laila Ali, Dr. Drew, Penn Jillette, Eddie Trunk, Rich Eisen, Jay Mohr, Laura Ingraham, the Forbes on PodcastOne Network and more. www.PodcastOne.com
ABOUT Soledad O'Brien
Soledad O'Brien is an award-winning journalist, speaker, author and philanthropist who anchors and produces the Hearst Television political magazine program Matter of Fact with Soledad O'Brien. O'Brien, founder and CEO of Starfish Media Group, also reports for HBO Real Sports, the PBS NewsHour, WebMD and has authored two books. She has anchored and reported for NBC, CNN and others, winning numerous awards, including three Emmys, the George Peabody award, an Alfred I DuPont prize and the Gracie. Newsweek Magazine named her one of the "15 People Who Make America Great." With her husband, she is founder of the PowHERful Foundation that sends 25 girls to and through college. Follow her on Twitter: @soledadobrien
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