Anna Deavere Smith and First Person Arts

Eminent playwright, actor and professor, Anna Deveare Smith will create an original play for ArtPhilly’s 2026 Festival, based on research into her own family’s history in Gettysburg, Harrisburg, York and Philadelphia and their involvement in the Civil War - along with stories of contemporary individuals living in those cities. The project will culminate in highly produced readings at three different venues across the city and reflect Smith’s unique ability to create an “american voice” from our individual histories.