November 19

The Man in the Iron Mask (died 1703) was an unidentified prisoner incarcerated in several French prisons under the custody of the state. His face was concealed by a mask, leading to centuries of speculation about his true identity. Theories ranged from him being a royal twin to a disgraced nobleman, captured by order of King Louis XIV. Voltaire and Alexandre Dumas popularized his legend, cementing his place in literary and cultural history. Despite extensive research, the prisoner's identity remains one of history's enduring mysteries.

Joe Hill was born in 1879 in Sweden and immigrated to the United States as a young man. He became a prominent member of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), writing songs that inspired workers to unite. Songs like 'The Preacher and the Slave' and 'There is Power in a Union' remain integral to labor history. Hill's trial and execution in 1915 made him a martyr for labor rights worldwide. His music and message continue to influence activists and folk musicians today.

May Hollinworth was a pioneering Australian theatre producer and director who shaped the country’s performing arts scene. Born in 1895, she founded and led several influential theatre companies in Sydney. Hollinworth was known for introducing contemporary international dramas alongside Australian plays. Her commitment to high production values and actor development left a lasting legacy on local theatre. She inspired generations of performers and directors before her passing in 1968.

Born in 1934 in the Philippines, George Canseco initially worked as a journalist before turning to music composition.\nHe penned timeless songs like "Dahil Sa’Yo" and "Ikaw", which became anthems of Original Pilipino Music.\nCanseco scored numerous films, infusing local cinema with memorable melodies.\nHis journalistic contributions appeared in major Philippine newspapers, showcasing his versatility.\nThroughout his career, he received multiple awards and recognitions for his musical achievements.\nHis legacy endures as his compositions continue to resonate with new generations.

Born in 1934, Manson spent much of his early life in and out of juvenile detention and prisons. In the late 1960s, he formed the "Manson Family," a commune that embraced his apocalyptic ideology. He orchestrated a series of brutal murders in Los Angeles designed to incite a race war he called "Helter Skelter." Convicted of first-degree murder in 1971, he spent the rest of his life behind bars. Manson's name became synonymous with charismatic evil and counterculture gone awry.