The Mark Twain House & Museum is excited to present Paul Laurence Dunbar: Beyond The Mask, a feature length documentary on the life and legacy of the first African American poet/writer to gain international fame. 

Originally released in February of 2018, the film is the result of an eight-year research project co-produced, written, and directed by Ohio University professor Frederick Lewis to highlight the personal life and career of one of the most influential African-American poets, Paul Laurence Dunbar. Dunbar’s legacy in the pantheon of African-Americans of letters is well-established; yet in many quarters, his literary gifts have historically been under-appreciated. Lewis’s highly entertaining and beautifully photographed documentary rectifies this. After two years of tweaking, tightening, and visually enhancing, the film is better than ever – just in time to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Dunbar’s birth. 

Filmmaker Frederick Lewis will be on hand to introduce the film and lead a post-screening discussion.  

This is a FREE event but REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED to attend. Reserve your spot HERE.