Avery Brooks’ cavernous bass voice is reminiscent of a nature documentary voice-over or a self-discovery audiocassette. His deep vocal resonance is indicative of his life philosophy and further reflects his former role as Starfleet Captain Benjamin Sisko on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
“In this universe, it’s all about the discovery of self,” Brooks said. “I’m really interested in larger ideas.”
At present, he is a tenured professor at Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University. He will share his insights on the arts with UI students as this year’s Ida Beam Distinguished Visiting Professor in the UI theater, African American studies, and communication studies departments.
Among three days of scheduled events, Brooks will present his conversation and jazz performance, “The Time of Your Life,” at 7:30 p.m. today in the Theatre Building’s Mabie Theatre. Admission is free and open to the public.
“I’m coming to offer who I am,” Brooks said. “But most importantly, I’m interested in [the students] … and on where [students] are going.”
He envisions his time at Iowa as an important opportunity for an exchange of communication.
“To meet [him] is to meet your own greatness,” wrote Sydné Mahone in an e-mail. The UI theater and African American studies faculty member studied under Brooks at Rutgers University.
“One of his remarkable gifts is the ability to inspire you to reawaken your deepest dreams and to think beyond — to transcend perceived limitation,” she wrote.
In addition to his Star Trek career, Brooks also appeared in the films American History X, Northup’s Odyssey,” and Fifteen Minutes and onstage in the title role of Paul Robeson on Broadway, among an illustrious list of other TV, film, and theater roles.
The actor, director, professor, and jazz musician does not discriminate among different forms of artistic expression. Rather, he places a fundamental importance on articulating oneself in the world, through whatever method that may be, so as to perform an integral role in society.
“Every living thing has its own signature,” Brooks said. “The human experience — that’s my motivation.”
Coming from the oral tradition rooted in African heritage, he said, he wants to see the preservation of “the story.” He encouraged the celebration of culture, which he defined broadly as “everything in the world.”
“Every generation should be ready to pass on something of value,” he said. This mindset is embodied in the actor’s favorite quotation: “We are not put on Earth to be on vacation.”
Growing up in a household of well-versed musicians, Brooks continues the family tradition with his own talents. He said he believes that blessings are not merely gifts but special tools for all to use in their lives.
“I’m approaching music in terms of what I feel, what I see,” he said. He dismisses his designation as a jazz musician, allowing his natural abilities to assemble into their own form.
Like playing an instrument, he said, life is made up of practice — the more you practice, the better you understand yourself. He cited the importance of being receptive to outside influences and ideas, as well as considering circumstances beyond one’s own inner realm.
“I believe we must enter the place of union of everything we have,” Brooks said. “Discovery happens as long as we’re on this planet.”