ANNA
DEAVERE
SMITH
Playwright, actor, and educator Anna Deavere Smith uses her singular brand of theatre to explore issues of community, character, and diversity in America. The MacArthur Foundation honored Smith with the “Genius” Fellowship for creating “a new form of theatre — a blend of theatrical art, social commentary, journalism, and intimate reverie.”
Best known for crafting more than 15 one-woman shows drawn from hundreds of interviews, Smith turns these conversations into scripts and transforms herself onstage into an astonishing number of characters. In her speaking events, Smith discusses the many “complex identities of America,” and interweaves her discussions with portrayals of people she has interviewed to illustrate the diversity of emotions and points of view on controversial issues.
ANNA'S RECENT EVENTS
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ANNA'S RECENT EVENTS 〰️
Anna Deavere Smith:
Reclaiming Grace in the Face of Adversity
MARCH 21, 2021
This MacArthur Genius offered live performances by a followed by a conversation about reclaiming grace during these contentious and difficult times. Our conversation explored the challenges of racism and “othering” in US society.