I think we can learn a lot about a person in the very moment that language fails them. In the very moment they they have to be more creative than they would have imagined in order to communicate. It's the very moment that they have to dig deeper than the surface to find words, and at the same time, it's a moment when they want to communicate very badly. They're digging deep and projecting out at the same time.
Anna Deavere SmithYou've heard that old expression from Shakespeare, 'Just speak the speech'? The words themselves will take you to the reality of the character. And so this led me to interview people.
Anna Deavere SmithI happen to be a hopeaholic. I tend to look at problems as an opportunity to do some work.
Anna Deavere SmithThat artists are called to be more responsible and 'true' is a tip of hat to their power.
Anna Deavere Smith