Research Gavin Cato's death and the events that followed, as they were related in the press. Examine newspaper stories in the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal as well as accounts of the situation in magazines and in newspapers such as the New York Post. How would you describe the general perspective of each publication that you view? How does it compare it to the perspectives of some of the characters in Smith's play? How do you think your view of the events would be different if you had not seen Smith's play but had only encountered the situation in the media?

Consider the stylistic elements of Smith's unique form of drama, and research the larger scope of On the Road: A Search for American Character, her project that combines journalism and theatre. Discuss why you think Smith has chosen...