Lawrence James papers

1956-1996

Actor, director Lawrence James (born Edward Lawrence in 1935) is a graduate of the Studio Theater School in Buffalo, New York. While still a student there he appeared in "A Raisin in the Sun" (1963) with Claudia McNeil. Subsequently, he became a member of Buffalo's Studio Arena Theater's first and only resident acting company. James was a member of the company for over two years, appearing in such productions as "Little Foxes" (1966) with Colleen Dewhurst.

After working at Buffalo's African-American Cultural Center's theater for several years as drama instructor, James became the executive director (1968-1976), using his given name of Edward Lawrence. He was a driving force in broadening programs for children and adults at the Center, and focused on supporting and promoting the black experience to the black community. He also continued to direct and perform in the theatre's productions.

After leaving the Center in 1976, James appeared in several Off-Broadway and regional productions. He spent two years in residence at New York City's "Theater for the Forgotten" under the CETA Arts Program which sponsored performances of Shakespeare and the classics in New York City public high schools (1979-1980). His theatrical credits include "The Trial of Dr. Beck" (1981-1980), "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" (1987-1988), "Joe Turner's Come and Gone" (1989) and "The Piano Lesson" (1992), with principal roles in "Fences" (1990-1991) and "Driving Miss Daisy" (1990). Lawrence has also appeared in several films including "Malcolm X" (1992) directed by Spike Lee, Woody Allen's "Manhattan" (1979), and in television dramas.