An Evening with Anna Deavere Smith.

Anna Deavere Smith is a Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize nominated American actress best known to television audiences as Nancy McNally on The West Wing and Gloria Akalitus on Nurse Jackie. Anna Deavere Smith’s theater work has become an inspirational source for civil discourse. She began the evening by playing the part of the man who video taped the police brutality which resulted in death of Eric Garner by compression of neck, due to a choke hold, compression of chest and prone positioning during physical restraint by police.  Anna interviews people and then recreates that interview through a theatrical performance.  The result was an infuriated outburst by someone who is shocked and horrified by the continued police brutality that is rampant today.  Sometimes witnessing improper use of force is all that can be done. 

Through a short performance and interview, audiences heard about the process of combining a passion for social causes with documentary style theatre making. Ms. Smith seeks to “discern the American character and to capture its politics.” The discussion focused on how she finds the authentic voice of the people she interviews and then creates on stage.

Her brief performance was followed by a question and answer session with the audience. Not having a TV, I haven’t seen any of the shows that Anna starred in. I admire the premise of her one woman shows which are a combination of documentary and theater.  Her discussion on how she conducts her interviews was insightful.  I clearly see the need of hearing peoples’ stories, because every voice has its place in history. 

Weekend Top 6 Picks for December 9th and 10th.

Saturday December 9, 2017

11 AM to 5 PM – Free.  Santa Con 2017! (Thornton Park District, 617 E Central Blvd, Orlando, Florida 32801).  Santa Con is celebrated all over the country and is simply a gathering of
people dressed as Santa that go as a group from restaurant and bars
celebrating the Holiday Season with some tasty adult libations!

This year they are again encouraging participants to bring musical
instruments, Example: Tambourines, Harmonicas, Guitars what ever you
have to bang, play on, and make some joyous noise!

5:30 PM to 7:30 PM – $10.  Orlando Cringe IX – The Holiday Show.  (SAK Comedy Lab, 29 S Orange, Orlando, FL 32801).  For their last show of 2017, they’re teaming up with SAK Comedy Lab for a
very special Cringemas Show! They’ll be bringing back a very special
reader from Cringe and SAK’s amazing team will be performing
improvised scenes completely based on their personal journals. They also have other surprises, so naughty or nice, it’s going to be a
great show!

7 PM to 9 PM – Free.  The 5th Annual “Violectric Holiday Show.”  (Walt Disney Amphitheatre at Lake Eola Park, 99 N Rosalind Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32801). Rock Into The Holiday Season with Violectric, Central Florida’s Top Strings Rock Group.   This is a fun and free LIVE concert featuring classic holiday tunes with a twist and more.

Bring a pet supply, donation and your furry friend to support Pet
Alliance of Greater Orlando.

Sunday December 10, 2017

11 AM to 5 PM – Free.  Day 2 of Santa Con. (Thornton Park District 617 E Central Blvd, Orlando, Florida 32801).   Santa Con is celebrated all over the country and is simply a gathering of
people dressed as Santa that go as a group from restaurant and bars
celebrating the holiday season with some tasty adult libations!  This year we are again encouraging participants to bring musical
instruments, Example: Tambourines, harmonicas, guitars what ever you
have to bang, play on, and make some joyous noise!

7:30 PM to 9:30 PM – $30.   An Evening with Anna Deavere Smith.  (Orlando Shakespeare Theater, 812 E Rollins St, Orlando, FL 32803).  Best known to television audiences as Nancy McNally on The West Wing and Gloria Akalitus on Nurse Jackie, Anna Deavere Smith’s theater work has become an inspirational source for civil discourse. Through a short performance and interview, audiences will hear about the process of combining a passion for social causes with documentary style theatre making.  Ms. Smith seeks to “discern the American character and to capture its politics.” The discussion will focus on how she finds the authentic voice of the people she interviews and then creates on stage.

7:30 PM to 9:30 PM – Free.  A Picture Perfect Christmas.  (Maitland Presbyterian Church, 341 N Orlando Ave, Maitland, FL 32751).  Performing Arts of Maitland sponsors the Maitland Symphony Orchestra’s
Holiday Concert: “A Picture Perfect Christmas”. Guest performer Joshua
Messick is a National Hammered Dulcimer Champion performing premier
selections with the MSO: “The First Snowfall” and “Blue Ridge Sunrise”.
MSO also performs “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” by Jessel, “Maltese
Winter” by Hayen and more.