American Theatre's Offscript

This month Brian surveys playwrights, directors, dramaturgs, and critics about the works they just can't shake, and why.

The critics look back on a year without live, in-person theatre as they go through their mailbag.

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.

This month the hosts talk to an award-winning colleague about gatekeeping and pandemic-era criticism.

This week the critics talk to two theatre artists about the choices they've made and the field they hope to return to.

This month Brian talks to the playwright/poet/marketer who's the driving force behind the New Play Exchange.

The actor/playwright behind a trove of popular literary adaptations talks about her inspiration, and about her non-Austen work.

Should the government create an arts and culture ministry? And what happens when there' s no one to laugh along with?

On this month's episode the critics discuss the recent Tony noms (and the controversy around them), their varied digital theatre diets, and some theatres' plans to tentatively reopen.

Each month Brian James Polak talks to a fellow playwright about the things usually left unsaid. In a conversation that dives into life’s muck, we learn what irks, agitates, motivates, inspires and—ultimately—what makes writers tick. This month, Brian speaks with playwright David Adjmi, who’s just released a well-reviewed memoir, Lot Six (read an excerpt here). Adjmi talks about how his family pressured him to become like a Trump, though he had the heart of an artist. They talk about his playwriting, the court case he fought in…

This week: the steep and rocky road back to normalcy for theatres of all sizes, and the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's lifelong love for the arts.

This month Brian talks to the Chicago-based playwright, activist, and healer about the transition points in her life and career.

This week the critics talk to the grass-roots campaign Be An Arts Hero and discuss shows they've seen, including last week's Democratic convention.

This month Brian hands the mic to Playwrights' Center's Jeremy Cohen and a panel of multi-platform writers.

In this solo episode, Brian reflects on the podcast's origins, frets about the future, and finds hope in an elder's advice.

The critics return to consider when theatre will return, how to cover it when it does, and how not to succumb to Zoom despair.

The critics talk to Tamilla Woodard, co-artistic director of Working Theater, about her experience of racism in the theatre and her recommendations of how to fight it.

This pre-pandemic conversation with the exciting helmer behind 'Endlings' and radical stagings of 'Ragtime' and 'Carmen' holds hope for the art form.

The award-winning playwright records the joys and challenges of daily life on a farm in rural Oregon during the pandemic lockdown.

The critics talk with Jeremy Wein of Play-PerView, take a question about theatre safety, and recommend shows they've viewed.

This week the critics debate streamed and recorded theatre vs. live, and dip into the reader mailbag.

This month, an anthology of scenes and monologues from 15 plays whose premieres were cut short by COVID-19.

The critics talk to Woolly Mammoth's Maria Manuela Goyanes about theatre in the age of COVID-19, and discuss the relative merits of online theatre.

This week the critics sign in remotely to talk about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on theatre, and what they're doing with no shows to see.

A special bonus episode features voicemails from playwrights all over the country about this extraordinary historical moment and how they're faring.

Jose talks to the playwright about her (now closed) show 'Endlings' and to Wai Ching Ho, who starred in it.

The playwright of 'Plano' and 'Heroes of the Fourth Turning' talks about Dallas theatre, existential crisis, and the difference between love and empathy.

The critics talk with the 'Girl From the North Country' playwright about his work and its meanings, and discuss 'Mockingbird' at MSG, a new take on 'Dracula,' and a James Baldwin revival in D.C.

Jose talks with the 'Wicked' star, currently doing a cabaret residency and soon to star in the musical 'Lempicka.'

This week the topic is how personal experiences inform criticism, as the critics touch on 'Mac Beth' at Hunter Theater Project, 'Gun and Powder' at Signature Theatre, and 'Medea' at BAM

Jose talks to Mamie Parris and Mauricio Martínez, stars of 'Unmasked: The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber' at Paper Mill Playhouse.

The playwright of 'graveyard shift' talks about football, spoken-word poetry, and finding a home in the theatre.

This week Jose records a live episode with the playwrights behind 'Ain't No Mo' and 'Stew.'

Jose talks to the musical theatre star about her upcoming Carnegie Hall concert and her self-care practices between shows.

The writer of 'Thirst' and 'All the Natalie Portmans' talks about her Louisiana upbringing, starting out in fan fiction, and why she writes about cornered women.

The critics look back on a decade of change in the American theatre, and discuss 'Greater Clements,' 'Sing Street,' and the 'My Fair Lady' tour.

The critics chat with the acclaimed Idahoan dramatist, and compare notes on Stephen Adly Guirgis, Harry Connick Jr., and Lauren Gunderson.

Jose talks with 'Slave Play's' Irene Lucío, and gathers 2019 reflections from Young Jean Lee, Aleshea Harris, Jaime Lozano, and others.

Brian James Polak talks to the playwright of 'Dance Nation' and 'You Got Older' about memory, pain, and first drafts.

Jose speaks to playwright Donja R. Love and actor Leland Fowler of one in two, a new play about HIV among the Black community.

The critics discuss Chicago vs. Broadway theatre with the Tribune's Chris Jones, and discuss the shows 'Jagged Little Pill,' 'Fefu and her Friends,' and 'Sleeping Car Porters.'

The Friends interview the 'Hamilton' star, who is back onstage in a musical version of 'Cyrano.' Plus reviews of 'Tina' on Broadway and a provocative new 'Evita,' and a special announcement!

Alexandra Jacobs drops in to discuss her new Elaine Stritch biography, 'Still Here.'

The Friends welcome the writer of 'Slave Play,' 'Daddy,' and 'Black Exhibition' to talk about sex and social media.

The former prison guard-turned-actor discusses how he found his writing voice, and how your biggest advocates can come from the most unexpected places.

The critics discuss the newest celebrity jukebox musical, and how Broadway theatres have an accessibility issue.

The 'Orange is the New Black' actress discusses learning how to dance for 'for colored girls....' at the Public Theater. Plus reviews of 'Moulin Rouge,' 'Little Shop of Horrors,' and 'Soft Power.'

Tracy Letts stops by to discuss his newest play, 'Linda Vista,' and how he balances being a playwright and actor.

The playwright of 'Hearts Like Fists' has interviewed more than 1,000 playwrights on his website. Now it's his turn to be interviewed.

The Friends interview the actress who's been playing Judy on and off for six years in 'Chasing Rainbows.' Plus reviews of Halloween shows, including one where they get blindfolded, and a discussion of the discussion around cell phones in the theatre (meta!).