Generosity of Eye
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2019 AT 7:30 PM $25
On Wednesday October 16th at 7:30pm, join Seinfeld and VEEP’s star Julia Louis-Dreyfus and her husband Writer/Director Brad Hall for a special screening of their beautiful documentary film GENEROSITY OF EYE followed by a fascinating discussion about the making of this film. Art, education, philanthropy and justice are key ingredients of this film. It features Julia interviewing her father, William Louis-Dreyfus and how he decided to donate his substantial art collection to the Harlem Children’s Zone. The film also features Geoffrey Canada – educator/social activist and President of the Harlem Children’s Zone, and a number of the artists represented in Louis-Dreyfus’ collection.
General Admission tickets are $25 and there are a limited number of $75 VIP Tickets which include a private post reception with Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Brad Hall. This special event is a benefit for the Marjorie Luke Theatre Sustainability Fund and is generously sponsored by UBS. For more information visit www.luketheatre.org.
The event is at the historic Spanish Colonial Revival 808 seat Marjorie Luke Theatre, beautifully restored in 2003 – located at 721 E. Cota Street in Santa Barbara. The theatre is wheelchair accessible and there is limited off-street free parking.
Watch the exclusive interview with Julia Louis-Dreyfuss and Brad Hall below!
“Generosity of Eye” Film Synopsis
Generosity of Eye is the surprising story of a major art collection transforming into education for African American children in the Harlem Children’s Zone. It is also the personal tale of actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus discovering how justice, art, and education can collide in a single act of generosity.
Filmed in a series of intimate conversations between Julia Louis-Dreyfus and her father, Geoffrey Canada of the Harlem Children’s Zone, and half a dozen contemporary artists, critics and curators, Generosity Of Eye begins as an overview of a significant art collection, but quickly becomes an exploration of art, justice, family and the connection that they make in the life of Julia’s father, French business man William Louis-Dreyfus.
The film features the work being pursued at the Harlem Children’s zone as well as glimpses of beautiful artwork by well known masters like Kandinsky, Oldenburg, Rousseau, significant works by popular contemporary artists and an in-depth look at the work of “outsider” artists Bill Traylor and Thornton Dial.
In the end, Generosity of Eye, is the portrait of a unusual man, his unusual relationship with his daughter, his unusual art collection and his uniquely passionate approach philanthropy.
Video Clips
Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Julia Louis-Dreyfus' comedic versatility and tremendous skill has made her one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actors and producers, expertly shaping a career full of memorable roles. Louis-Dreyfus starred in and served as executive producer for HBO’s hit series Veep, which wrapped after seven critically-acclaimed seasons. She earned worldwide acclaim for her portrayal of Elaine Benes in the hit NBC series Seinfeld, and as Christine Campbell in the CBS hit comedy The New Adventures of Old Christine.
Between all shows combined, Louis-Dreyfus has received eleven Emmys with twenty-six nominations. In 2017, she broke records for the most Emmys won by a single performer, as well as the most consecutive wins for a single role through her performance in Veep. This career highlight marked her eighth total acting win, tying Cloris Leachman’s record. Most recently, The Kennedy Center awarded Louis-Dreyfus with the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in November, 2018. She has received a Golden Globe, a Television Critics Association award, a Peabody Award and the Charlie Chaplin Britannia Award for Excellence in Comedy. Furthermore, Louis-Dreyfus has won nine Screen Actors Guild awards, making her the most decorated actor in SAG history. In 2010, Louis-Dreyfus received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was welcomed into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 2014. Additionally, in 2016, she was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world on Time Magazine’s annual Time 100 list.
Most recently, Louis-Dreyfus wrapped production on Fox Searchlight’s Downhill, where she stars alongside Will Ferrell. The comedy drama, for which she also served as a producer, is directed by Jim Rash and Nat Faxon, and is a remake of the 2014 Swedish film Force Majeure. She will next be seen in Disney’s Onward opposite Chris Pratt, Tom Holland and Octavia Spencer which is set to release March 6, 2020.
Louis-Dreyfus received critical acclaim in 2013 for her leading role in Fox Searchlight’s Enough Said, written and directed by Nicole Holofcener and also starring the late James Gandolfini, Catherine Keener and Toni Collette. She earned a Golden Globe nomination for her powerful performance, making her one of the few actors to be nominated for a film and television role in the same year. Additional film credits include Disney’s Planes, Pixar’s animated hit A Bug’s Life, Woody Allen’s award-winning Hannah and Her Sisters, Allen’s Deconstructing Harry, Rob Reiner’s North, as well as Ivan Reitman’s Fathers’ Day and Jack the Bear.
Her television credits include multiple appearances on Curb Your Enthusiasm, as well as recurring roles on The Simpsons and Arrested Development, among many others. She first made her mark on television during a three-year stint (1982-1985) on Saturday Night Live, opposite the likes of Billy Crystal, Christopher Guest and Eddie Murphy. She subsequently hosted the show twice, becoming the first female former cast member to return as host.
As a steadfast defender of the environment, Louis-Dreyfus serves on the Board of the Directors for the Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC), Heal the Bay, The William Louis-Dreyfus Foundation and the Honorary Board of Heal the Ocean. In September 2017, she announced her support to make universal healthcare a reality and has continuously been a strong advocate ever since.
Louis-Dreyfus studied theater at Northwestern University where she was a member of The Practical Theater Company, and Chicago’s famed Second-City comedy troupe. She currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband, Brad Hall, and their two sons, Charlie and Henry.
Videos of SBJHS/Marjorie Luke Alum Brad Hall
During the years when Marjorie Luke taught theatre at Santa Barbara Junior High School, many of her students experienced their first taste of being onstage. Many of them went on to create successful careers, including Anthony Edwards, who was the Lead Donor for the renovation and named the Theatre after his teacher – Mrs. Luke; Dante DiLoreto who went on to be an Emmy Award-winning television producer and who arranged for the cast of GLEE to join us for GLEE AT THE LUKE, and writer/director Brad Hall. Brad, like many alums, has fond memories of his times onstage here at The Luke Theatre. Now he and his wife Julia Louis-Dreyfus return to our stage to generously share their time and film with Santa Barbara. These short videos will give you a sample of the influence Marjorie Luke had on his career.
”"This film spoke to us, our love of art, our passion for education, and our kinship with William's eye for Value. William Louis-Dreyfus’ Legacy aligns with
UBS Financial Services Inc. Santa Barbara
our daily Mission:To guide our clients to do well, by doing Good"
