Anna Deavere Smith: Listening to America

MacArthur fellow and Pulitzer Prize nominee Anna Deavere Smith has said, "I try to embody America by embodying its words."

The development of Smith's solo production Let Me Down Easy allowed the artist to observe health-care in America from a variety of perspectives, including those of patients, doctors, policymakers, and pastors. From over 300 extensive interviews, Smith created a series of poignant portraits of individuals confronting serious illness, mortality, and a complex health-care system.

This year's Director's Dialogue on Art and Social Change uses Smith's theater piece as a springboard for a timely discussion about the past, present, and future of medical care in the United States and the issues that face heath-care professionals and the public alike. Smith will share comments about the process of developing Let Me Down Easy and insights she's gained along the way. Joining her on stage is Dr. Steven Gabbe, senior vice president for Health Sciences and chief executive officer at The Ohio State University Medical Center, a distinguished physician and educator who is one of the world's leading experts on the complications of diabetes and pregnancy. Moderating the conversation is renowned legal scholar and commentator Patricia J. Williams, a professor of law at Columbia University, a frequent columnist for The Nation, and the author of books including The Alchemy of Race and Rights, Seeing a Color-Blind Future, and Open House.

The annual Director's Dialogue is made possible in part by a lead endowment gift from an anonymous donor.

For those unable to attend, tonight's discussion will also be live streamed.

This discussion will also be ASL interpreted.