When Anna Deavere Smith's drama "Twilight: Los Angeles" at the Mark Taper Forum, it made national news for its unique and unflinching look at the fallout from the 1992 Los Angeles riots. Not only did Smith capture the tumultuous aftermath of the Rodney King trial verdict, she created a searing, innovative and truly American piece of theater by exploring the riots from multiple points of view. Now, on the 23rd anniversary of the Los Angeles riots, PBS' "Great Performances" series presents a special broadcast of Marc LevinFriday, June 12 at 9 p.m. Et (check local listings). Prior to the screening, Smith will provide a...
- 5/20/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
One-person shows have existed since the earliest days of the theater, and have evolved alongside dramas, comedies, and musicals as their own unique storytelling form. From the griot tradition of West Africa to quirky one-person memoir plays to politically charged character pieces like Anna Deavere Smith’s “Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992,” solo theater is alive and well in all manner of forms. While performers can often find a happy solo premiere at fringe festivals and smaller theater venues, here are seven New York and Los Angeles based groups dedicated exclusively to the development and performance of solo work! United Solo Festival (New York)As the world’s largest solo theater festival, United Solo is dedicated to the development and support of the genre as a whole. “You think solo. You feel solo. You act united.” Though only 5 years old, the festival has grown exponentially in presence and scope; Fiona Shaw opened...
- 12/24/2014
- backstage.com
One-person shows have existed since the earliest days of the theater, and have evolved alongside dramas, comedies, and musicals as their own unique storytelling form. From the griot tradition of West Africa to quirky one-person memoir plays to politically charged character pieces like Anna Deavere Smith’s “Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992,” solo theater is alive and well in all manner of forms. While performers can often find a happy solo premiere at fringe festivals and smaller theater venues, here are seven New York and Los Angeles based groups dedicated exclusively to the development and performance of solo work! United Solo Festival (New York)As the world’s largest solo theater festival, United Solo is dedicated to the development and support of the genre as a whole. “You think solo. You feel solo. You act united.” Though only 5 years old, the festival has grown exponentially in presence and scope; Fiona Shaw opened...
- 12/24/2014
- backstage.com
There is no shortage of one-person shows. Indeed, there is a glut of them on both coasts. Some are good, some not so good.How do you avoid the mediocre and present something that resonates with audiences? Back Stage spoke to solo performers who have successfully scored with theatergoers to gain insight into the choices they've made and the artistic challenges they've faced. New York's current and recent top-notch offerings include Carrie Fisher's "Wishful Drinking," Anna Deavere Smith's "Let Me Down Easy," Judith Ivey's "The Lady With All the Answers," Charlayne Woodard's "The Night Watcher," Antoinette Lavecchia's "How to Be a Good Italian Daughter (In Spite of Myself)," Yisrael Campbell's "Circumcise Me," and Sueli Rocha's "The Glue Trap." L.A. is hosting Naomi Grossman's "Carnival Knowledge: Lost, Lust, and Other Oddities," Patt Benson's "Growing Up With Uncle Miltie," and Jeffrey Combs' "Nevermore…...
- 10/28/2009
- backstage.com
Actor-writer Anna Deavere Smith is a multiple Obie and Drama Desk Award winner who may be best known for her multi-character, one-person shows, such as Fires in the Mirror: Crown Heights, Brooklyn and Other Identities, and Twilight: Los Angeles 1992. For the latter, she earned a Broadway transfer, a Theatre World Award, and two Tony nominations (best actress and best play). She also has had a recurring role on The West Wing and is featured in the current Anne Hathaway film Rachel Getting Married. That is but a fraction of Smith's work, however. In addition to her plays, she has written two books (Letters to a Young Artist, and Talk to Me: Travels in Media and Politics). She also teaches at New York University and is concerned about arts and education. On Monday, Oct. 27, she will take part in a discussion, "Art and Educational Justice," as part of the closing night of the Harold Clurman Festival,...
- 10/27/2008
- by Andrew Salomon
- backstage.com
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