62 pages • 2 hours read
Anna Deavere SmithTwilight: Los Angeles, 1992
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1994A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 by Anna Deavere Smith is a documentary theater piece that portrays three days of riots in Los Angeles following the acquittal of four white police officers charged with assaulting Rodney King, a Black man, in a nationally sensationalized incident. The play features verbatim interviews with a diverse range of voices, providing a complex, kaleidoscopic view of American race relations. The work addresses sensitive issues including racially-motivated violence and social injustice.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Anna Deavere Smith’s Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 receives acclaim for its powerful and evocative portrayal of the aftermath of the Rodney King trial. Critics praise Smith's unique method of using verbatim theatre to bring diverse voices to life, enhancing the narrative’s authenticity and emotional impact. However, some note that the fragmented structure can be challenging, potentially causing confusion for readers unfamiliar with the events. Overall, it is regarded as an important and thought-provoking work.
Who Should Read Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992?
Readers who appreciate Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 by Anna Deavere Smith are likely intrigued by social justice, race relations, and American history. Fans of works like Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates and The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander will find Smith's compelling narrative and diverse perspectives engaging.
RecommendedReading Age
16-25yearsLexile Level
NPBook Details
Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride
Race / Racism
Education
History: World
Education
American Literature
Journalism