I think some of our most talented people are not going to pick the arts as a way that they're going to spend their lives. Anna Deavere Smith artlivepeople Change image and share on social
I see myself as not a typical theater person, but a person who uses the theater as a place to meet people and explore ideas. Anna Deavere Smith exploreideameet Change image and share on social
Artists are the people that no matter what, pick up the pen, pick up a paintbrush. They take the time to translate what is happening to create something that resonates deeply with the rest of the people that are caught in the middle of their own reality. Anna Deavere Smith artistcatchcreate share on social
I feel like my work has been my path to freedom from having grown up in a segregated environment. Anna Deavere Smith environmentfeelfreedom Change image and share on social
President Obama called for a 'we' nation in his Inauguration Address. Art convenes. It is not just inspirational. It is aspirational. It pricks the walls of our compartmentalized minds, opens our hearts and makes us brave. And that's what we need most in our country today. Anna Deavere Smith addressartaspirational share on social
To live your life well, and have respect for what came before or after - there's a strong respect for that in African culture. Anna Deavere Smith africanculturelife Change image and share on social
My main concern is theater, and theater does not reflect or mirror society. It has been stingy and selfish, and it has to do better. Anna Deavere Smith concernmainmirror Change image and share on social
The American idea is as promising, imaginative, and full of the unexpected as the land itself. The land represents freedom - the frontier, the ability to make a new future with your own bare hands. Anna Deavere Smith abilityamericanbare Change image and share on social
People in power have to be careful about what comes out of their mouth. They have to find exactly the right word that can't be attacked. Anna Deavere Smith attackcarefulfind Change image and share on social
