U.S.: Human Rights on Stage (From the series "Rights and Wrongs") 1995
Distributed by Chip Taylor Communications, 2 East View Drive, Derry, New Hampshire 03038-5728; 1-800-876-CHIP
Produced by Globalvision, Inc.
Director n/a
VHS, color, 12 min.
High School - Adult
Sociology, Psychology
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Rue Herbert, Head, Library Media Resources, University of South Florida, TampaThe program U.S.: Human Rights on Stage is an episode of the multi-part television series on human rights, Rights and Wrongs. Originally aired on PBS, this series is international in scope, discussing a wide variety of human rights issues over the course of 69 programs. The first part of U.S.: Human Rights on Stage focuses on a brief discussion of the one-woman Broadway show by Anna Deavere Smith titled “Twilight: Los Angeles 1992”. Anna Deavere Smith is an actor, director, playwright, and educator. The program shows segments of her performance, in which she portrays a variety of characters representing Los Angeles residents. These characters convey conflicting points of view regarding the 1991 Rodney King incident and its aftermath. The play illustrates the frustrations and anger present in our society, and the need for increased public awareness regarding race relations and human rights. During an interview with Charlayne Hunter-Gault, Ms. Smith touches on elements of her social philosophy.
In the second part of the program, the viewer is introduced to one of New York City’s ‘theme schools’, The Human Rights School in Brooklyn. Also known as El Puente Academy for Peace and Justice, the high school’s curriculum teaches traditional subjects while incorporating human rights perspectives. This unique school encourages students to become activists in the pursuit of justice and equality, while promoting a broad understanding of human rights issues.
The technical standards of the program are very high. The content has a general interest level, and is clearly presented. The video is approximately 12 minutes long. Because of its brevity, the program cannot cover the selected topics comprehensively. However, the key points uniquely illustrated could be used for discussion triggers by community groups, or in courses dealing with human rights or social awareness issues. Although the video case indicates an audience level of Junior High through Adult, there is language in Ms. Smith’s performance that should perhaps be first viewed by an adult to determine if it is suitable for young viewers.
Additional information regarding the series Rights and Wrongs is available on the Chip Taylor Communications web page: http://www.chiptaylor.com/.