Fires In The Mirror Tickets

Fires in the Mirror is based on the August 1991 riots in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. It explores the viewpoints of various Jewish and Black people living in New York City and the effect that it had. Written by Anna Deavere Smith, the original play consisted of monologues taken from the transcripts of the interviews of more than 100 individuals. Considered to be one of the foremost examples of verbatim theatre, the play went on to win a Drama Desk Award. Her play was critically acclaimed for exploring the cultural and racial conflict in America and portraying the thoughts of the people. Her trademark documentary lens serves as the perfect unprejudiced look at the events that unfolded. Michael Benjamin Washington takes the lead of the show, following Smith’s portrayal of more than 30 multifaceted characters in 1991. He takes on numerous viewpoints and narratives in thoroughly convincing fashion, making for an excellent evening of theater!

The Story

In the summer of 1991, a Black American boy was killed when a car driven by a Hasidic Jewish swerved onto a sidewalk. The racial tensions in Crown Heights were already on the edge, and this incident resulted in a civil outbreak in the heart of Brooklyn. A Jewish student went on to be attacked by the frenzied mob, who later died of his injuries. The aftermath of the unfortunate incident is recounted by members of the Jewish and Black communities.

Good For

Lovers of Verbatim Theater | Fans of Documentary Theater