S. Epatha Merkerson is best known for her role on the TV series “Law & Order,” but her new documentary explores different territory. “The Contradictions of Fair Hope” chronicles the evolution of an African-American benevolent society that was founded to support newly freed slaves after the Civil War. Merkerson and fellow producer Rockell Metcalf talk about the project with guest host Christian McBride, who composed music for the film.

To see S. Epatha Merkerson be tough, just turn on a TV and look for "Law and Order"'s Lt. Anita Van Buren. But to see her smile, you’ll have to catch her in the Broadway revival of "Come Back, Little Sheba."

S. Epatha Merkerson stars as a faded beauty queen trapped in a lonely marriage in the new Manhattan Theatre Club production of William Inge's "Come Back, Little Sheba." It's at the Biltmore Theatre at 261 West 47th Street (between Broadway & 8th Ave.) through March 16th.