Ep 30. Actor Anna Deavere Smith

In season 4 episode 30 of StarTalk, the host Neil deGrasse Tyson sits down with actor and playwright Anna Deavere Smith to discuss the intersections of science, art, and humanity.

Deavere Smith is known for her unique approach to acting, which involves performing monologues in the voices of real people she has interviewed. In this episode, she shares insights into her creative process and how she uses her craft to bring attention to underrepresented voices and social issues.

Throughout the episode, Deavere Smith and Tyson discuss a variety of topics, including the role of empathy in both science and art, the importance of storytelling in shaping our understanding of the world, and how the arts and sciences can work together to create a better future.

Deavere Smith also reflects on her experiences performing in Washington D.C. during the aftermath of 9/11, where she witnessed firsthand the power of art to bring people together and provide healing in times of crisis.

As always, Tyson brings his signature humor and intellectual curiosity to the conversation, guiding the discussion through a range of topics and connecting the dots between science and art in surprising ways.

Overall, this episode of StarTalk offers a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of the ways that science and art intersect, and how we can use both to better understand ourselves and our world.