A cultured voice speaks at Fredericksburg Forum

The voice that has us “shivering at hello,” according to moderator Susan Stamberg, might never have been. Actor James Earl Jones, whose commanding bass tone has made him famous, told a sold-out audience at the 12th annual Fredericksburg Forum in March how a stutter made him stop talking from age 5 to 14.

“Not having a voice as a child and finding it as an adult,” Jones said, had the most profound impact on his life.

Stamberg is a nationally renowned broadcast journalist and special correspondent for National Public Radio.

Jones discussed different aspects of culture and their effects on the world today. Jones’ mantra, which he repeated throughout his speech in his trademark deep intonation: “Everything that happens to a people is culture.”

Though he didn’t speak for 10 years, language fascinates Jones. Language was just one of the barriers of culture that he discussed.

Jones shared stories from his travels around the globe. He said culture is learned and differs around the world. Because of these differences, people have difficulties understanding and working with one another.

Despite their contrasts, Jones noted one time when people come together: to watch movies. At 3, seeing his first movie, he found it extraordinary that strangers would gather in the darkness to watch the same film – and differences didn’t matter.

“Culture can enrich and empower people,” he said. “We are all pioneers, trying to wrestle out a better life for us and future generations.”

After his talk, Jones sat center stage and responded to questions submitted by the audience. In what looked like a scene from Inside the Actors Studio, Jones talked about actors and mentors with whom he has worked, and he offered advice for those new to the craft.

Although he had many witty responses to questions, Jones was serious when he talked about what moves him: the lives of the characters he plays. An actor’s greatest contribution is to read a character’s words with simplicity and honesty, Jones said.

The Fredericksburg Forum will continue next season with political commentators Steve and Cokie Roberts on October 2, followed by journalist Bob Woodward on March 11, 2008.                                               

– Andrea Christie ’07