Estelle Parsons (left) has a conversation with Jeffrey S. Lehman (right), Vice Chancellor of NYU Shanghai.

Estelle Parsons, a best supporting actress Oscar winner, visited Shanghai and talked about theatre and social justice with New York University (NYU) Shanghai on Tuesday, September 19.

On Tuesday afternoon, Estelle Parsons spoke with Jeffrey S. Lehman, Vice Chancellor of NYU Shanghai, discussing a range of topics including actors “finding their truth,” and theatres’ capacity to raise public consciousness about social justice issues such as racism and poverty. 

The conversation is part of NYU Shanghai’s traditional educational project “Conversations with the Vice Chancellor” which features a special interview series in which NYU Shanghai’s Vice Chancellor speaks with leading figures from the worlds of business, public policy, international affairs, science and arts.

Born on November 20, 1927, Estelle Parsons won an Academy Award for her portrayal of the character Blanche Barrow in “Bonnie and Clyde.” Apart from being an award-winning actress, she is also a journalist, singer and theatre director. Estelle is currently Associate Artistic Director of the Actors Studio, where last year she created the Theater and Social Justice program. The program has a five-part agenda exploring racism, poverty and illiteracy, religion, community and environment.