When this first aired on PBS, I was transfixed by Anna's reenactment of all these personas. I lived in Brooklyn at the time, not far from where all of this happened. I've never forgotten this performance and have shared it with many. Thanks for posting it, Demarcations!
Anne Devere Smith has found a brilliant way of making us understand events from different perspectives. She interviews people who witnessed or were part of some event. Then she records their voices, memorizes their words and retells them on stage exactly as they were told. She doesn't imitate the people, but by listening to their words and the rhythm of how they speak, the story becomes alive. Incredible.
Thank you so much for uploading this. I watched it many years ago, as a teenager,on PBS and have wanted to review it as an adult. One of the best programs I have seen.
Many thanks for uploading all six segments. I too used to own this on VHS, and was fortunate enough to see her live years ago @ Purchase college (then SUNY Purchase). She is a force of nature & her talent is endless.
I don't know if this works recorded...it leaves you wondering "why isn't this just an actual documentary," whereas when you see all these views presented onstage there's more of a connection to the individual characters' stories. Whereas you watch Anna Deavere Smith's kind of built for the stage performance on tape and it feels over-the-top. That said, I'm glad her original performance was preserved.
How outrageous. Al Sharpton the most racist? Crazy how white people exempt themselves from hundreds of years of systemic and overt racism and violence.
![Gucci Mane & Sexyy Red - You Don't Love Me [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/j7IBqyFKT4c/mqdefault.jpg)
When this first aired on PBS, I was transfixed by Anna's reenactment of all these personas. I lived in Brooklyn at the time, not far from where all of this happened. I've never forgotten this performance and have shared it with many. Thanks for posting it, Demarcations!
Anne Devere Smith has found a brilliant way of making us understand events from different perspectives. She interviews people who witnessed or were part of some event. Then she records their voices, memorizes their words and retells them on stage exactly as they were told. She doesn't imitate the people, but by listening to their words and the rhythm of how they speak, the story becomes alive. Incredible.
Thank you so much for uploading this. I watched it many years ago, as a teenager,on PBS and have wanted to review it as an adult. One of the best programs I have seen.
Many thanks for uploading all six segments. I too used to own this on VHS, and was fortunate enough to see her live years ago @ Purchase college (then SUNY Purchase). She is a force of nature & her talent is endless.
Number 2...i remember reading this...this has stuck with me for so many years
Im so glad my highschool teacher gave me fires in the mirror to find a dramatic piece to perform....really put me in a good mind to do college work💙
I don't know if this works recorded...it leaves you wondering "why isn't this just an actual documentary," whereas when you see all these views presented onstage there's more of a connection to the individual characters' stories. Whereas you watch Anna Deavere Smith's kind of built for the stage performance on tape and it feels over-the-top. That said, I'm glad her original performance was preserved.
She is amazing!!
Loved this postmodern experimental era.
10 yrs ago wow!
She is so amazing!
And thanks fro me too. I had this on VHS and lent it to a student, where it was tragically maimed by the student's VCR.
Brilliant performance.
can you upload Twilight by Anna D. Smith?
I had the same question!! If anyone has Twilight: Los Angeles 1992, please please upload it!
If you can't find it on youtube, it's on PBS - online and on demand.
Her Sharpton is incredible.
what is the name of the song playing at the beginning ?
LOL, "Theme to American Playhouse." That's the theme music.
Watching this for an AP project...the voices are so shrieky...
Givaldig
What a performance. Even her portrayal of Al Sharpton, one of the most racist people on the planet, is completely nuanced and believable. Bravo!
How is Al Sharpton racist?
@@ibopwebop He is VERY RACIST. I knew him. He tried to get ME killed when I was giving a speech in Bed-Stuy way back in 1982.
Blk people cannot b racist they dont have that power or control
"... Al Sharpton, one of the most racist people on the planet..." what a garbage take. projection is a powerful thing smh
How outrageous. Al Sharpton the most racist? Crazy how white people exempt themselves from hundreds of years of systemic and overt racism and violence.
The use of the word nuance in describing the anti semitic murder of Yankel Rosenbaum
is truly disgraceful!
Yes, and all the 'characters' played by this female is a form of theatre Nazis would appreciate.