The Off-Broadway debut of Anna Deavere Smith’s Notes from the Field: Doing Time in Education has been a hit with New York City critics and audiences alike—the solo show garnered widespread positive reviews and was quick to announce an extension at Second Stage through December 18. In the monologue play, acclaimed playwright, actor, and educator Smith turns her attention to the school-to-prison pipeline and the poverty gap.
Following its New York engagement, the show, which officially opened at Second Stage Theatre November 2, was scheduled to play at Santa Monica’s Broad Stage February 1-5, 2017. Broad Stage announced via its website that it was canceling its planned run as Notes from the Field had been given the opportunity to extend its engagement in New York. A representative from Second Stage, however, has confirmed that Notes from the Field will not be extending again at 2ST—which prompts the question as to where the show will continue to play in New York in early 2017. A theatre has yet to be announced.
The solo show is created, written, and performed by the award-winning Smith, with music composed and performed by Marcus Shelby and direction by Leonard Foglia. Smith had originally planned to perform the piece in local communities, but following the fatal shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO, decided to return to the professional stage with the show’s timely message. Billed by 2ST as “urgent and inspiring,” Notes from the Field depicts the personal accounts of students, parents, teachers, and administrators caught within the challenged system. The documentary solo piece is drawn from interviews with more than 250 people and scrutinizes a justice system that pushes minors from poor communities into incarceration.
Scroll through photos of opening night:
READ MORE: ANNA DEAVERE SMITH’S RIPPED FROM THE HEADLINES PLAY TAKES AIM AT RACIAL INJUSTICE
For tickets and more information on Notes from the Field, visit 2ST.com.
