Unfiltered Voices

Notes From the Field

On an almost bare stage, three unquestionably gifted actresses bring to life the words of 19 individuals. These people, both men and women, young and not-so-young, are the subjects of documentary playwright, Anna Deavere Smith’s latest work. Created from the actual text of more than 250 interviews, the unfiltered voices of educators, inmates, students, the clergy, civil rights activists and even a highly respected politician explore America’s school-to-prison pipeline.

Ms. Smith’s name is synonymous for pioneering this type of interview-based documentary theatre. She’s known for such explosive works as “Fires in the Mirror” and “Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992.” Like these plays, this presentation is raw, uncensored and often quite uncomfortable to take in. Be warned that the play, while fascinating and sometimes humorous, is not exactly entertaining. It would be a cliche to say that it’s thought-provoking, but I defy anyone to leave the theatre not moved by what they’ve just experienced. Like Shakespeare, Ms. Smith transforms the words of those she’s interviewed into tools that create an emotional impact. And theatergoers who spend the two-and-a-half hours with these characters will leave with plenty of food for thought.

The central theme of this presentation is America’s complacency with an educational system, especially in urban settings, that favors incarceration over caring and learning. After listening to the often lengthy monologues from these selected interviews, presented authentically by the three actors with all the intensity, dialects and speech patterns of the individuals who recorded them, the playwright’s primary goal is to inspire us to take action. It’s especially interesting that this production, originally presented by a single, talented performer, is being presented at TimeLine Theatre with a trio of brilliant actresses sharing all the roles. 

Skillfully guided by highly respected Chicago-based director, Mikael Burke, all the interviewees are brought to life by three masterfully talented and truly capable actresses. Adhana Reid (“School Girls; or The African Mean Girls Play,” “Sheepdog”) draws on her youthful energy and dramatic versatility by playing such real-life characters as Chief Judge Abby Abinanti and arrested student Niya Kenny. TimeLine company member Mildred Marie Langford (“A Raisin in the Sun,” “In Darfur”) eloquently and passionately portrays such diverse individuals as reformed inmate Denise Dodson and activist Bryan Stevenson. And the always exquisite Shariba Rivers (“The Nacirema Society,” “Hoodoo Love”), who transcends every role she undertakes, breathes life into more actual people, like Pastor Jamal Harrison Bryant, in an affecting performance that inspired the audience to break into applause, and Finnish educator Sari Muhonen. But perhaps Ms. Rivers’ most inspiring performance is her sobering and heartfelt portrayal of the late politician & activist, John Lewis.

“Notes from the Field” is not entertaining in the traditional sense. It’s undeniably dynamic, emotional and rouses our senses through the masterful performances of its three accomplished actresses. Director Mikael Burke has molded Anna Deavere Smith’s gritty, interview-based documentary into a vibrant, mind-blowing production that, while seldom amusing or cheerful, it’s definitely captivating, sometimes shocking and particularly poignant. It all starts with listening to these many unfiltered voices.          

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented January 31-March 24 by TimeLine Theatre Company, 615 W. Wellington Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available at the door, by calling 773-281-8463 or by going to www.timelinetheatre.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.