American actress, author, filmmaker, and professor Anna Deavere Smith is renowned for her avant-garde use of performance art to tell stories. She frequently investigates how individuals express themselves in various settings and circumstances. One of the main points she makes is that she sees herself primarily as an expression researcher.

Deavere Smith's viewpoint is comparable to that of a skilled painter who is always observing and experimenting with hues and shapes in an effort to convey the spirit of her subjects. Similar to how an artist aims to comprehend light, shadow, and texture in order to paint a realistic picture of reality, Deavere Smith delves deeply into comprehending how people express their feelings and ideas through words and deeds.

True mastery, in her opinion, comes from analyzing how people express meaning as well as from acting out parts. She is able to produce impactful monologues that represent a range of societal voices thanks to this strategy. She frequently incorporates real-life interviews into her work, turning them into gripping theatrical productions that examine difficult social themes like community dynamics, healthcare inequities, and racial relations.

Deavere Smith emphasizes the value of continuous learning and observation in artistic creation by viewing herself primarily as a student of expression. She can stay adaptable and current in a variety of media, such as theater, movies, television, and instructional lectures, thanks to this way of thinking. Her commitment to comprehending human communication greatly enhances her capacity to write compelling stories that captivate audiences and elicit reflection on identity and social justice.

Essentially, Deavere Smith's philosophy reflects the notion that there is always more to discover and investigate in the field of performance and expression, and it promotes an ongoing pursuit of knowledge about how we express ourselves.