ZACH Theatre in Austin recently announced the cast for the regional premiere of Anna Deavere Smith’s critically acclaimed play Notes From the Field, running February 27 – March 31, 2019 in The Kleberg, as Producing Artistic Director Dave Steakley treats Austin audiences to another Texas premiere directing acclaimed writer and actor Anna Deavere Smith's latest work.

Tony and Pulitzer Prize nominee Anna Deavere Smith (Let Me Down Easy; “Nurse Jackie”), shares her “most ambitious and powerful work to date” (Variety). Incredibly timely, Notes From the Field depicts the personal accounts of individuals caught in America’s school-to-prison pipeline as they navigate inequities in their communities. Drawn from interviews with more than 200 people living and working within a challenged system, Notes shines a light on a lost generation of American youth. ZACH’s Producing Artistic Director Dave Steakley explained why producing Notes From the Field is important to him and the community,

“I was disheartened to learn I have actors on stage who are stars in the ZACH arena, entertaining thousands of people, who are also having a completely different experience outside the theatre in their daily lives for no discernable reason other than the color of their skin,” he explained. “This inequity prodded me to produce a play that will create conversation and promote advocacy and action on behalf of our friends and neighbors. Anna’s play is right on time. I am honored to be the first to work on Notes From the Field, outside of the productions Anna has starred in, and I‘m grateful for her trust in me and in ZACH to deliver this material with the same passion and conviction that led her on this journey.”

Tom and Colleen Terkel are Executive Producers of Notes From the Field with Carolyn Barrett and Rest of the World as Producers, and KMFA as a Supporting Sponsor. 

When: February 27 – March 31, 2019
Where: The Kleberg at ZACH
Tickets: Start at $25 at zachtheatre.org
Age Recommendation: 12 and up

Run time: Notes From the Field is performed in two acts with an intermission and facilitator-lead audience breakout discussions. Due to the interactive nature of this performance the actual run time may vary.

Special Events in Celebration of Notes From the Field:

• Pride Night – Thursday, February 28, 2019

• Post-Show Discussion – Wednesday, March 6, 2019

• ASL Interpreted, Open Captioned, and Audio Described – Wednesday, March 6, 2019

• Champagne Opening – Thursday, March 7, 2019

CAST

• Michelle Alexander – Allen Bullock/Niya Kenny/Denise Dodson/Bree Newson

• Zell Miller, III – Kevin Moore/Councilman Michael Tubbs/Stephanie Williams/Congressman John Lewis

• Carla Nickerson – Sherrilyn Ifill/Abby Eady/Leticia DeSantiago

• Kriston Woodreaux – Jamal-Harrison Bryant/Taos Proctor/Tony Eady/Amanda Ripley/Dr. Victor Carrion

PRODUCTION TEAM

• Dave Steakley – Director

• Stephanie Busing – Scenic and Projection Designer

• Christina Montgomery – Costume Designer

• Serret Jensen – Hair and Makeup Designer

• Rachel Atkinson – Lighting Designer

• Craig Brock – Sound Designer

• Scott Groh – Properties Designer

• Megan Barrett – Stage Manager

• Davvi Solomon – Assistant Stage Manager