Tony Award winner Marcia Gay Harden will join the previously announced Elias Koteas, Alfred Molina, Julianne Moore, Viggo Mortensen, Aidan Quinn, Gloria Reuben, Meryl Streep, Stanley Tucci, and Debra Winger for a reading of Ariel Dorfman’s Speak Truth to Power: Voices From Beyond the Dark, adapted from the book by Kerry Kennedy. David Esbjornson will direct the benefit performance, at the Public Theater on Monday, May 3 at 7pm. The reading is presented by Dorfman, Kennedy, the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, and The Public. It chronicles the true-story accounts of heroic people withstanding horrific human rights abuses across the globe. Proceeds from the reading will benefit the relief efforts of Habitat for Humanity in Chile. All ticket holders will be invited to an exclusive post-show reception featuring the cast and creative team.

For more information, visit www.publictheater.org.

With many thanks to the great Tina, over 1000 DVD screencaptures of “It’s Complicated” have been added to the Image Library. The romantic comedy, co-starring Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin, has been released on DVD in the United States on April 27, so be sure to grab your copy and enjoy Meryl’s latest film.

Top artists from the entertainment community will come together on June 10, 2010 as AFI presents the 38th AFI Life Achievement Award – the highest honor for a career in film – to acclaimed director Mike Nichols. The 25 artists from film, television and the stage who have confirmed their participation on the AFI Benefit Committee in support of the event are: Amy Adams, Warren Beatty, Annette Bening, Candice Bergen, Cher, Nora Ephron, Harrison Ford, Whoopi Goldberg, Tom Hanks, Dustin Hoffman, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Shirley MacLaine, Steve Martin, Elaine May, Jack Nicholson, Al Pacino, Mary-Louise Parker, Natalie Portman, Robert Redford, Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, Elizabeth Taylor, Emma Thompson, Sigourney Weaver and Robin Williams. “TV Land Presents: The AFI Life Achievement Award Honoring Mike Nichols” will air on TV Land on Sunday, June 27, 2010 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Added better quality scans of the French Vogue, May 2010 issue (see below’s update for more). Besides the two covers, a third picture of Penelope and Meryl is featured inside. Enjoy!

According to Playbill, Alfred Molina, Julianne Moore, Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci will participate in Ariel Dorfman’s Speak Truth to Power: Voices from Beyond the Dark, chronicling global human rights abuses, at the Public Theater May 3. The Public joins Kerry Kennedy and the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights to present the reading of Kerry Kennedy’s book that has been adapted for the stage by Dorfman. Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity’s earthquake relief efforts in Chile. In addition to Molina, Moore, Streep and Tucci, the star-studded evening will include Elias Koteas, Viggo Mortensen, Aidan Quinn, Gloria Reuben and Debra Winger. David Esbjornson will direct.

According to the Public, “Speak Truth to Power chronicles the true-story accounts of heroic people withstanding horrific human rights abuses across the globe. Voices from around the world cry out against violence and oppression — from world leaders like Desmond Tutu to the unknown activists working on the ground level. Speak Truth to Power is a powerful and moving testimony of the will of the human spirit to rise up against injustice, even in the face of incredible darkness.”

“Good Housekeeping” marked its 125th anniversary with the “Shine On” celebration, a salute to influential and inspiring American women of the past 125 years. The one-night-only show at Manhattan’s City Center was hosted by Brooke Shields and featured special guests Meryl Streep, Kristen Bell, Aretha Franklin, Marlee Matlin, Laura Benanti, Fran Drescher, Kelli O’Hara, and many more. Money raised from the event will help build the first permanent location in Washington, D.C. for the National Women’s History Museum, which is dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and celebrating the diverse historic contributions of women.

According to the Associated Press, the Meryl Streep will be inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters as an honorary member. The elite society boasts an exclusive roster of 250 members who are the crème de la crème of art, literature, and music. Academy members can nominate a new honoree if a seat is vacated. Streep has been tapped for a special category that is explained to the AP as “Americans of great distinction in the arts whose work falls outside the traditional departments.” Toni Morrison and Stephen Sondheim already hold memberships to this lofty organization.

The AP reported Streep’s response in a telephone interview as, “I have to say that I was stunned, and when they sent me the roster of people in the academy I just burst into tears.” Streep is noted for excellent performances in films such as, “Sophie’s Choice,” “Kramer vs. Kramer,” and “Julie & Julia.” Among her past honors, she’s won two Academy Awards. Of this latest thrill, she remarked, “I couldn’t believe that I’d be even allowed in the kitchen.” Streep will be formally inducted into the Academy at a ceremony next month.

On April 07, Meryl has attended the White House Project’s EPIC Awards. She introduced the film Yes Madam, Sir directed by Megan Doneman about Kiran Bedi who was the first female police officer in India. As she introduced Kiran and the clip she said, “There are women in the world who are willing to stand up… You are changing the world one woman at a time”. The film is narrated by Helen Mirren. Pictures from the awards can be found in the Image Library.

Many thanks to Tina, who has previously provided caps from these, for also providing clips from the “The Directors” documentaries on Wes Craven and Sydney Pollack. Both feature very in-depth and interesting interviews with Meryl on the makings of “Music of the Heart” and “Out of Africa”. Thanks!