Anna Deavere Smith

1. Anna Deavere Smith … My grandfather told me when I was a little girl “If you say a word often enough, it becomes you.” ~Smith

2. About the artist… • She does not limit herself to one system or method and is not pigeon-holed as a performer. • She uses aspects of Brechtian theatre (epic theatre) in her technique and theatrical performances. • She uses aspects of realism or Method acting in her technique.

3. What she is known for… • Actor, writer, and teacher of documentary theatre • Actor, writer, and teacher of political theatre

4. In her own words… • classically trained in theatre and acting • “psychological realism” = method acting • fascinated by language and communication • big fan of Shakespeare

5. Which is it? Outside-in vs. Inside-out • Outside-in: the artist finds the “truth” of the character and creates a fully realized character through text analysis, psychological exploration, etc. to develop motivations for doing and being to create behavior and action … • Inside-out: the artist finds the “truth” of the character and creates a fully realized character through finding the voice, language, and physical gestures of the character which then influence behavior and motivation …

6. Acting is incorporating … • Her way of working is less like that of a conventional Euro-American actor and more like that of African, Native American, and Asian ritualists. ~Schechner • To incorporate means to be possessed by, to open oneself up thoroughly and deeply to another being.~Schechner

7. Activity • Go to the C-Span Video. • Choose a representative or senator to incorporate. • Rehearse your performance for presentation.