A film of "Twilight: Los Angeles," the acclaimed, one-woman documentary theatrical piece written and performed by Anna Deavere Smith, will be screened by the Hammer Museum on Wednesday, August 12, 7:30 p.m. at the Billy Wilder Theater. A discussion will follow with UCLA history professor Brenda Stevenson, author of the award-winning book, "The Contested Murder of Latasha Harlins: Justice, Gender, and the Origins of the LA Riots" (Oxford University Press, 2014), who will explore the lasting impact of the riots on our national conscience.
The original Broadway production of "Twilight: Los Angeles" premiered in 1994 at the Cort Theater in New York City. Smith portrays a multitude of real individuals who experienced the violent aftermath of the 1992 Rodney King trial. The characters are based on her interviews with hundreds of people whose words she uses verbatim, exploring and exposing the devastating human impact of that event.
The play toured nationwide and was filmed for broadcast on PBS, which called it a "searing, innovative and truly American piece of theater.” The production received numerous honors and recognitions, including two Tony nominations, an Obie, a Drama Desk Award and the New York Drama Critics Circle’s Special Citation.
The Hammer screening and discussion are free and open to the public, but tickets are required and available at the Billy Wilder Theater box office starting one hour before the program. One ticket per person, first-come, first-served, so early arrival is recommended. Hammer members receive priority ticketing. For more information, visit the Hammer Museum website.