SANTA MONICA—Author Armistead Maupin and artist Don Bachardy will have a conversation at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium in the Santa Monica Public Library on Friday, January 31 at 12:30 p.m. The event will be a celebration of the legendary author’s new novel, “The Days of Anna Madrigal,” which is the last installment of the critically acclaimed novel series, “Tales of the City.”
Mr. Maupin was born in Washington, D.C., served as a naval officer in Vietnam and worked as a journalist for the Associated Press. In 1976, he began publishing “Tales of the City,” which would propel him to literary fame. The series consists of six volumes that revolve around the residents of the mythical apartment at 28 Barbary Lane. The novels began as a serial in the San Francisco Chronicle. The first three volumes were adapted for television, starring Laura Linney and Olympia Dukakis. His later novel, “The Night Listener” was adapted into a film starring Robin Williams and Tony Collette.
Mr. Maupin met world-famous painter Don Bachardy in 1978 at an Oscars party, at which Mr. Bachardy’s partner, the novelist/playwright Christopher Isherwood, offered to write a blurb for one of Mr. Maupin’s novels. Mr. Maupin and Mr. Bachardy have remained close friends ever since. Their conversation on January 31 will focus on their friendship and on the mutual friends portrayed in Mr. Maupin’s novels. A book sale and signing will follow the discussion.
The Santa Monica Public Library is located at 601 Santa Monica Blvd. One hour before the event, free tickets will be released in the main lobby. Audience members must be present to obtain a ticket. For disabled services, call 310-458-8606 at least one week in advance. Big Blue Bus routes 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9 and 10 can be used to reach the library, and bike racks will also be available. For more information, visit smpl.org or call 310-458-8600.
