U.Va. Bookstore bringing Ethan Hawke to Grounds

Photo by Brigitte Lacombe

Staff report

Actor and author Ethan Hawke will appear July 29 at two events on Grounds.

The Virginia Film Festival will hold a screening and discussion of Hawke’s most recent film and directorial debut, “Chelsea Walls,” at 4 p.m. in the Newcomb Hall Theater. Hawke will answer questions from the audience at the film’s conclusion. Tickets ($7, $3.50 for students with current U.Va. IDs ) will be available from the U.Va. Bookstore after July 15 and at the Newcomb Hall Theater box office on the day of the event.

At 8 p.m. in the McIntire Amphitheatre, Hawke will perform a selection of scenes from his new novel, Ash Wednesday, and will sign copies of the book afterward. In case of inclement weather, the reading will be held in the Chemistry Building auditorium. This event is free and open to the public.

Ash Wednesday, the follow-up to Hawke’s critically acclaimed first novel, The Hottest State, is the story of young newlyweds who travel across America confronting their histories, their decisions and each other in an attempt to succeed as both partners and adults. Copies of the book may be purchased at the U.Va. Bookstore or at the event.

Born in Texas in 1970, Hawke began acting at Princeton’s prestigious McCarter Theater. In his first major film, “Dead Poets Society,” he starred opposite Robin Williams. He is also known for roles in “Waterland,” “Reality Bites,” “Before Sunrise” and “Gattaca.” After directing “Chelsea Walls,” he co-starred with Denzel Washington in “Training Day,” earning an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor.

Parking for both events will be available in the Central Grounds Parking Garage on Emmet Street (fee charged) and in the large lot across Jefferson Park Avenue from Cabell Hall (free after 5 p.m.)

Hawke’s appearance at U.Va. is co-sponsored by the Virginia Film Festival, University Programs Council and public radio station WMRA. For information, contact Laura Martof at 924-1073 or lam2c@virginia.edu.