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.
Stories by Brian James Polak
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.
The Subtext: Mac Rogers’s ‘Unusual’ Journey Through Time and Relative Dimensions
This month Brian talks with the playwright and audio dramatist about ‘The Honeycomb Trilogy,’ guardian angels, and ‘Doctor Who.’
The Subtext: Jacqueline Goldfinger and the Lure of the Cliff
This month Brian talks to the Philly writer of ‘Babel’ and ‘The Arsonists’ about playwriting, parenting, and risk.
The Subtext: Taking Wallace Shawn Seriously
This month, a talk with with a playwriting legend, whose most apocalyptic recent works are being released this week as podcasts.
The Subtext: David Henry Hwang, High and Low
This month Brian talks to the writer of ‘M. Butterfly,’ ‘Yellow Face,’ ‘Chinglish,’ and ‘Soft Power’ about Joe Papp, hate crimes, and the ironic uplift of surviving a flop.
The Subtext: Quiara Alegría Hudes and the Path of the Healer
This month Brian talks to the playwright of ‘Water by the Spoonful’ and ‘In the Heights’ about her new memoir, ‘My Broken Language.’
