CRITICS REVIEWS
15 critics reviewed the show, resulting in a weighted average of 83.
The New York Times
ShowScore: 80
"Though her command of different voices is what’s most obviously dazzling in theatrical terms, that mimetic talent wouldn’t count for much if it didn’t make us share the intent focus she brings to her subjects...That’s what makes Ms. Smith so invaluable. She creates a dialogue out of monologues among souls who, in real life, might never have occasion to speak to one another...Ms. Smith draws us into an ever-mutating, ever-expanding discussion."
Time Out New York
ShowScore: 85
"In the audacious and mind-opening 'Notes from the Field,' Anna Deavere Smith delves into poverty, police brutality, mass incarceration and educational failure. Even as she shifts, with almost insouciant skill, among 17 characters of different sexes and races, she never disappears...Her probing intelligence and fair-mindedness retain a tangible presence, assembling the monologues like puzzle pieces to form a larger picture."
The Guardian (UK)
ShowScore: 80
"Anna Deavere Smith’s latest might be flawed, but there’s enough energy and anger to make her exploration of racially motivated imprisonment a standout...This is one of Smith’s particular gifts, to disappear into the people she plays, to take an assemblage of interviews and recorded talks, and bring them to astonishing and visceral life onstage. She finds a distinct voice for each...It is less divisive and less cohesive than it might be. Here, too many of the voices are of the same opinion."
“Notes From the Field: Doing Time in Education” was also reviewed by Thom Geier of The Wrap, Steven Ross of Front Mezz Junkies, Linda Winer of Newsday, Jesse Green of New York Magazine / Vulture, Matthew Murray of Talkin' Broadway, Frank Rizzo of Variety, and Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter.
MEMBER REVIEWS
The show was also reviewed by 39 Show-Score members, whose collective ShowScore is a weighted average of 88.
Top five adjectives describing the show:
Absorbing, Great acting, Relevant, Profound, Intelligent
See it if…"You care about social issues, particularly education, and want to see a tour-de-force performance by a skilled actor."
Don't see it if…"You're looking for escape/entertainment. This is for thinking/feeling/caring human beings."
See it if…"You like pieces that comment on important issues in society, you want to see AMAZING transitional acting from one SINGLE woman."
Don't see it if…"You don't care for pieces suggesting activism or change, one-person shows are not your taste, you want something traditional."
Don't see it if…"You are looking for a narrative rather than a lecture. Admirable preaching to the choir."
See the Show Page with all critic and member reviews.
Note: The ShowScore displayed above is current as of right now, and may be different from the ShowScore when the article was published.
