TOPIC: Working in the 21st Century: An Oral History

SPEAKER: Mark Larson

Inspired by Studs Terkel’s 1974 classic, “Working”, Mark Larson, author of “Ensemble: An Oral History of Chicago Theater”, will discuss his new book, “Working in the 21st Century” released to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Terkel’s book. Sharing video clips from his interviews, Larson will explore the similarities between Studs’s times and our own through the impact on the work lives of his 101 interviewees. Larson, who knew Studs and was interviewed by him twice, will also discuss Terkel’s influence on him.

NOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom link above.

BIOGRAPHY

Mark Larson is the author of “Ensemble: An Oral History of Chicago Theater” for which he conducted over 300 interviews with Chicago theater artists, past and present. His new book, “Working in the 21st Century: An Oral History of American Work in a Time of Social and Economic Transformation”, was released in 2024 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Studs Terkel’s “Working”. In March, Larson’s book was named one of the best books of the year, so far, by Esquire magazine. He is currently working on a series of interviews with the iconic Broadway composer, John Kander (“Cabaret”, Chicago”, “New York, New York” and 16 others) for a book titled “The Best We Can: Conversations with John Kander”.

Bi website: marklarsonauthor.com

Books:
Working in the 21st Century: An Oral History of American Work in a Time of Social and Economic Transformation

Ensemble: An Oral History of Chicago Theater