Anna Deavere Smith's Let Me Down Easy Will Play Berkeley Rep Encore Run

By Adam Hetrick
24 Jun 2011

Anna Deavere Smith
Anna Deavere Smith

Let Me Down Easy, Anna Deavere Smith's solo play about the U.S. healthcare system and the resilience of the human body, which is currently playing an extended run at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, will return for an encore engagement in August.

Smith's frank and touching piece arrived at Berkeley Rep May 28 and was originally scheduled to conclude its run June 26. Ticket demand prompted an extension through July 10, with a special encore engagement added Aug. 10-Sept. 4.

"I am not surprised that Anna's show is so popular here in the Bay Area," artistic director Tony Taccone said in a statement. "Local audiences experienced her singular talent before she became famous for roles on shows like 'Nurse Jackie' and 'The West Wing.' The alchemy she creates in the theatre has no parallel – and the subject matter of this show resonates deeply with health-conscious, spiritual, and wellness-oriented people in our community. I am delighted to bring Anna back this summer for more performances of Let Me Down Easy."

Leonard Foglia (Master Class) directed the stage production, which played a critically acclaimed run Off-Broadway at Second Stage Theatre in 2009. Let Me Down Easy was also filmed to debut on "Great Performances" during the 2011-2012 season.

"Let Me Down Easy, according to Berkeley Rep, "explores the depths of human strength. Smith conducted 320 interviews on three continents to create this show – and now she paints indelible portraits of more than 20 unforgettable individuals. Using her unique performance style, she introduces you to a rodeo rider, a prize fighter, and an altruistic doctor – as well as legendary cyclist Lance Armstrong, supermodel Lauren Hutton, and former Texas Governor Ann Richards. Together, their voices tell a stunning story about the vulnerability of the human body, the resilience of the spirit, and the price of care."

Smith has been seen on television's "Nurse Jackie," "The West Wing," "The Practice" and the films "Rachel Getting Married," "The American President," "Philadelphia" and "Dave." As a writer, she has penned the plays Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992, Fires in the Mirror (Pulitzer Prize finalist) and House Arrest as well as the books "Talk To Me" and "Letters to A Young Artist."

For tickets visit BerkeleyRep.