THE HISTORY OF SOUND W/ AUTHOR BEN SHATTUCK AND ACTOR CHRIS COOPER IN-PERSON DISCUSSION

JUNE 29

The Newport MFA, in partnership with the Jane Pickens Theater: Film & Event Center, is pleased to present a screening of acclaimed 2025 romantic-drama The History of Sound, followed by an on-stage conversation with Ben Shattuck, whose short story inspired the film, and Academy Award Winning actor Chris Cooper, who stars in one of its leading roles. We are thrilled to welcome in-person both immensely talented author Ben Shattuck (who also wrote The History of Sound screenplay), and iconic actor and movie-star Chris Cooper to our theater (you may recognize him from American Beauty, October Sky, A Time To Kill, The Patriot, or for his Best Supporting Actor winning role in Adaptation)!

Plot Synopsis for The History Of Sound: In 1917, Lionel (Paul Mescal) — a young, talented music student — meets David (Josh O'Connor) at the Boston Conservatory, where they bond over a deep love of folk music. Years later, Lionel receives a letter from David, leading to an impromptu journey through the backwoods of Maine to collect traditional songs. In the shadows of WWI, Lionel and David are determined to record the lives, voices and music of their American countrymen... soon the two begin to fall in love. This unexpected reunion, ensuing love affair, and the music they collect and preserve, will shape the course of Lionel’s life far beyond his own awareness.

Housed at Salve Regina University, the Newport MFA confers a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. The program is a two-year, low-residency course of study that immerses students in the creative life through on-campus residencies, one-on-one mentorship, craft talks, and conversations with working writers, editors, and publishers. Events like this are a hallmark of our twice-yearly, weeklong residencies. Flexible by design, the Newport MFA allows you to pursue your degree without stepping away from the life you’ve built.

Emily Dickinson wrote, “Forever is composed of nows.” As writers, we return again and again to the present moment—its textures, its questions, its quiet urgencies. If that impulse feels familiar, the Newport MFA may be your next beginning.

Doors Open at 6:00pm, Movie @ 7:00pm.