In March 1991, four Los Angeles police officers were videotaped beating Rodney King following a high-speed car chase. On April 29, 1992, a trial jury acquitted the officers of use of excessive force. Immediately following the verdict, South Central Los Angeles exploded in six days of unrest and violence. In this 2003 play, Anna Deavere Smith uses the verbatim words of people who experienced the uprising to expose and explore the devastating human impact of the event. By honestly presenting multiple perspectives, the play attempts to address issues of tribalism in our society by walking in another person's words and therefore in their heart.
This production contains mature content, depictions of graphic violence, and language that may be offensive to some audiences. Parental discretion is advised.