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.
Stories by Brian James Polak
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.’
The Subtext: Plays That Fill You Up
This month Brian surveys playwrights, directors, dramaturgs, and critics about the works they just can’t shake, and why.
The Subtext: The Many Forms of Jen Silverman
This month Brian talks with the playwright of ‘The Moors’ and ‘Collective Rage’ about how writing for TV inspired her write a novel about the theatre.
The Subtext: Pandemic Playwriting, Part 2
This month, a check-in with the playwrights who first called in last March to see how they’ve fared in the intervening 10 months.
The Subtext: Gwydion Suilebhan’s Homecoming
This month Brian talks to the playwright/poet/marketer who’s the driving force behind the New Play Exchange.
The Subtext: Kate Hamill’s Sensibility
The actor/playwright behind a trove of popular literary adaptations talks about her inspiration, and about her non-Austen work.
The Subtext: David Adjmi’s Artist’s Heart
This month Brian talks to playwright and author David Adjmi about family pressure, falling behind, and filling a niche.
The Subtext: Making Space With Tanuja Jagernauth
This month Brian talks to the Chicago-based playwright, activist, and healer about the transition points in her life and career.
The Subtext: Writing Across Mediums
This month Brian hands the mic to Playwrights’ Center’s Jeremy Cohen and a panel of multi-platform writers.
