
Support the news
Anna Deavere Smith Challenges Audience Members To Talk To Each Other In New A.R.T. Production18:29
Play
Writer, performer and professor Anna Deavere Smith says the U.S. is on the verge of a new civil rights movement. And, she says, the theater might help get people involved.
That's one of the goals of her new work, "Notes from the Field: Doing Time in Education." It'll be put up by the American Repertory Theater at the Loeb Drama Center in Cambridge this month.
Deavere Smith is well-known for her roles on "West Wing" and "Nurse Jackie." She also received the 2013 National Humanities Medal from President Obama.
Her plays have been called a new form of theater — usually one-woman shows where Deavere Smith portrays several different characters reflecting on a social justice issue.
This newest play focuses on education and mass incarceration.
Guest
Anna Deavere Smith, writer, professor and performer. Her latest work is "Notes from the Field: Doing Time in Education." She tweets @AnnaDeavereS.
This segment aired on August 5, 2016.
Related:

Emma-Jean Weinstein Associate Producer, Radio Boston
Emma-Jean Weinstein was formerly an associate producer for Radio Boston.

Deborah Becker Host/Reporter
Deborah Becker is a senior correspondent and host at WBUR. Her reporting focuses on mental health, criminal justice and education.
Support the news