Koffler Adds Second Show For 'Fran Lebowitz: In Conversation', 4/21

The Koffler Centre of the Arts announced today that due to overwhelming demand, a second show has been added on Saturday April 21 at 6 PM for "Fran Lebowitz: In Conversation," an intimate chat with the author, raconteur, cultural satirist and American cultural icon. The event on Sunday April 22 at 4 PM, which has almost sold out, will be hosted by the award-winning journalist and host of CBC Radio's The Current, Anna Maria Tremonti. Both events take place at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, and tickets are available through the Koffler Centre of the Arts by calling 647-925-0643 or online at kofflerarts.org.

In a cultural landscape filled with endless pundits and talking heads, Fran Lebowitz stands out as one of America's most insightful social commentators, and is widely sought out for her razor-sharp commentary on everything from cigarette smoking to the Trump presidency.

For her first Toronto appearance in five years, Lebowitz will speak with her hosts about her acerbic views on current events and the media, with an audience Q & A to follow. Copies of her collected essays, The Fran Lebowitz Reader, will be available for purchase at the event through Ben McNally Books.

Purveyor of urban cool, Lebowitz has been called "the heir to Dorothy Parker," and was once named one of the year's most stylish women by Vanity Fair. At age 67, she remains a style icon.

"Fran Lebowitz is an artist with the rare talent of wit. Her capacity to provide humorous commentary on both mundane and critical topics creates the opportunity for high-spirited, challenging conversations across cultural divides," said Cathy Jonasson, Executive Director, Koffler Centre of the Arts. "Consistent with our mandate to stimulate discussion through the arts, the Koffler is delighted to present the opportunity for audiences to see and engage Fran Lebowitz in two public conversations about contemporary culture and politics."

ABOUT ANNA MARIA TREMONTI

Anna Maria Tremonti has won two Gemini awards, and a Life Achievement Award from Women in Film and Television Toronto. During her time at The Current, she and the program have won numerous awards at the New York Festivals, including: Gold for Best News Documentary of Special (2013), Gold for Best Talk Special: Interview (2009), Silver for Best Newsmagazine (2013), Bronze for Best Talk Show Host (2008, 2014 and 2015), Bronze for Best Coverage, Breaking News (2015), and Bronze for Best News Documentary or Special (2014). Her work at The Current also has been recognized with an Amnesty International Canada Media Award (2012), three Gracie Awards (2011, 2014 and 2015), and several Gabriel Awards and RTDNA Awards, including the Adrienne Clarkson Diversity Award (2013), the Peter Gzowski Information Program Award (2009, 2011 & 2014) and the Gord Sinclair Live Special Events Award (2014). With Anna Maria at the helm, The Current in 2012 also won the Canadian Journalism Foundation's Excellence in Journalism Award (Large Media Category), and was a finalist for that top honour in 2013.

ABOUT Fran Lebowitz

Lebowitz worked odd jobs, such as taxi driving, belt peddling, and apartment cleaning before being hired by Andy Warhol as a columnist for Interview. Her first book, a collection of essays titled Metropolitan Life, was an international bestseller, as was a second collection, Social Studies. Lebowitz has also worked in television (Law & Order), film (The Wolf of Wall Street), and has long been a regular on various talk shows including those hosted by Jimmy Fallon, Conan O'Brien, and Bill Maher. She appears in various documentary films including the American Experience series on New York City, as well as Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures (2016), Regarding Susan Sontag (2014), and Superstar: The Life and Times of Andy Warhol (1990). Public Speaking, a documentary about Lebowitz directed by Martin Scorsese, premiered on HBO in November 2010.

Lebowitz lives in New York City, as she does not believe that she would be allowed to live anywhere else.

ABOUT THE KOFFLER CENTRE OF THE ARTS

The Koffler Centre of the Arts is a cultural platform that explores critical ideas and concerns of our time through exhibitions, publications, performances, conversations and digital initiatives. We examine complex issues in respectful, constructive discussions that position our Jewish identity in conversation with diverse perspectives and global voices. The Koffler Gallery and its administrative offices are located at Artscape Youngplace, in Toronto's vibrant downtown West Queen West art and design district.

Fran Lebowitz: In Conversation is part of a lecture series generously supported by Dorothy Shoichet and Media Partner, the Toronto Star. The Koffler Centre of the Arts acknowledges the support of the Koffler Family Foundation, Cultural Season Sponsor CIBC Wood Gundy, the Ontario Arts Council through the Community and Multidisciplinary Arts Organizations Program, our patrons and donors.

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