Jane Alexander is a renowned stage and film actress who always cared passionately about the role of the arts in America. When President Clinton appointed her head of the National Endowment for the Arts, she became tireless in pressing for national funding and support of the arts in the Republican Gingrich-ruled Congress of the early 1990's. In her new memoir, Command Performance, she offers a personal account as well as a keen historical and political perspective of how our government is controlled and manipulated by the powers that be. Appalling ignorance and exceptional dedication are portrayed in equal measures, as she dissects the labyrinths of governmental action and inaction. I came away feeling great admiration for this dedicated artist, as well as gaining greater understanding of our political systems. This is an eye-opening account. ~ Reviewed by Barbara Morrow