The Santa Monica Museum of Art celebrates free speech with a screening of The People Speak , a documentary adaptation of social activist Howard Zinn's book A People's History of the United States. Through filmed performances of letters, diaries and speeches, actors such as Matt Damon, Morgan Freeman, Sean Penn and Marisa Tomei illustrate freedom's challenges and triumphs in America. Among the historical moments re-created: “Mutiny in George Washington's Army,” performed by Mike O'Malley; “Susan B. Anthony's Suffrage Trial,” performed by Christina Kirk and Josh Brolin; and “J.W. Loguen's Letter to Sarah Logue,” performed by Benjamin Bratt. “American history,” says Damon, “has been made largely by people who had no idea they were making history.” Zinn appears in person to introduce the film. Santa Monica Museum of Art, Bergamot Station, G1, 2525 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica; Thurs., Feb. 4, 8 p.m.; $25. (310) 586-6488. –D.T.

Thu., Feb. 4, 2010

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