The Subtext: TyLie Shider’s Rehearsal Dramas
This month Brian talks to a writer inspired by the music his parents made when he was young, as well as by the diverse biographies and interests of the playwrights he admires.
Stories by Brian James Polak
The Subtext: Charly Evon Simpson, Accomplished and Evolving
This month Brian talks to Charly Evon Simpson about discovering theatre, learning to be vulnerable, and becoming a playwright both on paper and in life.
The Subtext: Nathan Alan Davis’s Artistic Adventure
This month Brian talks to Nathan Alan Davis about growing up with performer parents and how his own parenting influences his work.
The Subtext: Nancy Garcia Loza Needs No Permission to Write
This month Brian joins playwright Nancy Garcia Loza at Chicago’s Understudy book shop to talk about writing, family, and holding on to memories.
The Subtext: MJ Kaufman at Heart, at Home
This month Brian talks to MJ Kaufman, the co-writer of ‘A Transparent Musical,’ about their evolving sense of home, their creative instincts, and their dog, Milkshake.
The Subtext: Kareem Fahmy’s Auteur Theory
Brian talks to the NYC-based theatremaker about the intersection of writing and directing, what his family thinks of his plays, and differences between the U.S. and his native Canada.
The Subtext: Jonathan Spector’s Eureka Moments
This month Brian talks to the Bay Area playwright about the writing process, battling imposter syndrome, and redefining success.
The Subtext: Alexandra Petri Writes Funny
The D.C. columnist and playwright talks about how writing is like making cotton candy, how ‘MILF Manor’ is like Greek drama, and how an editor can help you find the parade.
The Subtext: James Ijames, From Grandma’s Backyard to Broadway
This month Brian talks to the ‘Fat Ham’ playwright about the art-loving family he came from and the communities he’s found in theatre and in Philly.
The Subtext: The Time Kate Tarker Lost Her Paints
The playwright of ‘Montag’ and ‘THUNDERBODIES’ talks about insisting on sustainability, identifying as a writer, and the art of listening.
