The Subtext: In the Middle With Heather Raffo
For this special reported episode, Brian goes deep on the actor-writer and her very personal new play, ‘Tomorrow Will Be Sunday.’
Stories by Brian James Polak
The Subtext: Tracy Letts’s Moments of Recognition
This month the author of ‘August: Osage County’ and ‘The Minutes’ talks about acting, writing, the mystique of Chicago, and the heartbreak of Oklahoma.
The Subtext: Live With Amy Quan Barry
In this special episode, recorded live in Madison, Wisc., Brian interviews the poet/playwright who wrote ‘The Mytilenean Debate’ for Forward Theater.
The Subtext: Voices of Ukraine
For this special episode in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Brian compiles messages from theatre artists in the U.S., the U.K., Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine.
The Subtext: Rajiv Joseph on Putin and Basketball
Brian talks to the playwright, whose new play ‘King James’ is playing at Steppenwolf, about war, sports, and writing what you want.
The Subtext: Class With Kari Bentley-Quinn
Brian talks to the Queens-based playwright about her New England roots and her approach to balancing work and mental health.
The Subtext: Daniel Alexander Jones’s Library
This month Brian talks to the creator of Jomama Jones about the books and music that saved him as a child, and how they led to the books and music he’s making now.
The Subtext: Toward Liberation With Haruna Lee
For the final episode of 2021, Brian talks to the writer of ‘Suicide Forest’ about roles that are different than, and closer to, their true self.
The Subtext: John Patrick Shanley’s Dreams and Schemes
This month Brian talks to the author of ‘Doubt’ and ‘Moonstruck’ about the struggles of his early years and the hard-won wisdom of his later ones.
The Subtext: What Makes Gina Femia Run
This month Brian talks to the Brooklyn-based playwright about fighting back against abuse, hustling past gatekeepers, and finding her authentic voice.
