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