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Act II at A.R.T.

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Be more than a spectator.

Anna Deavere Smith

A.R.T.’s Act II disrupts the role of the audience as a passive observer. Conceived as an equal part of the experience as the scripted show, Act II events invite audience members to deepen their engagement with A.R.T. productions, themes, and essential questions. Act IIs often highlight A.R.T. community members making impact in the Boston area and the world.

Past events have included speaker series, gallery visits, film screenings, podcasts, and moderated conversations with scholars, medical professionals, families, activists, artists, and educators.

Productions

Becoming a Man

Act II

Each performance of the one-act Becoming a Man will culminate in Act II, a 20-minute facilitated conversation with a local leader, scholar, or activist and a brief audience Q&A exploring the production’s essential question, “When we change, can the people we love come with us?”

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Gloria: A Life

Act II Talking Circle

The first act of Gloria: A Life is Steinem’s story; the second is our own. Each performance of the show culminated in an Act II talking circle launched by a special guest. In these conversations, the audience was invited to reflect on the play, the women’s movement, and the ongoing struggle for equality in our world today.

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We Live in Cairo

Act II Discussion Series

A.R.T., in collaboration with the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation and the Belfer Center’s Middle East Initiative at Harvard Kennedy School, co-presented a series of post-show discussions with leading artists, journalists, and scholars on topics inspired by We Live in Cairo

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The White Card

Act II

The White Card was inspired, in part, by playwright Claudia Rankine’s question, “Can we stay in the room to have a conversation about race?” Following performances of the play, audience members are invited to remain in the theater for a 20-minute facilitated conversation. In conjunction with Act II, a range of other initiatives and resources on this page also endeavor to extend the conversation around the play and spark action.

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HEAR WORD!

Act II

Engage with HEAR WORD! Naija Woman Talk True through post-performance conversations with cast members, scholars, creative team members, and additional guests.

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WARHOLCAPOTE

Act II

Learn more about the work and legacy of Andy Warhol and Truman Capote through Act II initiatives presented in partnership by A.R.T. and the Harvard Art Museums.

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Trans Scripts

Act II

Discussions with students, scholars, parents, medical professionals, policymakers, activists, and entrepreneurs following performances of Trans Scripts, Part I: The Women.

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Notes from the Field

Radical Welcomes

Each performance of Anna Deavere Smith’s Notes from the Field: Doing Time in Education began with a “radical welcome” offered by a different member of the greater Boston community.

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In the Body of the World

Act II

Discussions with activists, artists, medical professionals, and scholars following performances of Eve Ensler’s In the Body of the World.

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1984

Discussion Series & Surveillance Cinema

A series of special panel discussions around questions of surveillance, totalitarianism, and the role of technology in popular uprisings co-hosted by the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the Harvard Kennedy School following performances of 1984.

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O.P.C.

Really, Really Free Discussion Series

Policy makers, activists, and scholars participated in moderated discussions that took a deeper look at the issues raised in Eve Ensler’s O.P.C.

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Witness Uganda

Act III

Witness Uganda cast members were joined by experts and scholars who reflected on the themes of the show and discussed their own research and work.

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