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.
Category Archives: Audio
American Theatre‘s podcasts feature timely and timeless conversations and interviews in and about the theatre field.
Offscript
This podcast, featuring the editors of American Theatre in conversation with each other and with special guests, occasionally appears in this space but has chiefly migrated to a biweekly spot on Facebook.
The Subtext
A podcast where playwrights talk to playwrights about the things usually left unsaid: what irks, agitates, motivates, inspires, and makes writers tick. Brian James Polak hosts. Guests have included David Adjmi, Antoinette Nwandu, Jen Silverman, Will Arbery, Korde Arrington Tuttle, Clare Barron, Chisa Hutchinson, Rebecca Gilman, Isaac Gomez, Ike Holter, and many more.
Three on the Aisle
A monthly (or sometimes more) podcast from New York about theatre in America, featuring drama critics Peter Marks, Terry Teachout, and Elisabeth Vincentelli. Guests have included Tracy Letts, Conor McPherson, Lila Neugebauer, Samira Wiley, Kate Hamill, Sam Hunter, Soraya Nadia McDonald, Helen Shaw, Diep Tran, Lily Janiak, Tamilla Woodard, and more.
Token Theatre Friends
This podcast from Diep Tran and Jose Solís (discontinued in June 2020; new independent site here) brought a person-of-color perspective to reviews of and interviews with theatre artists in New York City.
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.
Theatrical Mustang: How a.k. payne Holds Space
This month Woodzick talks with the writer of ‘Amani’ about Black futures, expansive visions of gender, and how an archivist can be an activist.
Theatrical Mustang: Mykai Eastman’s Organic Approach
This month Woodzick talks to Denver-based director and playwright Mykai Eastman about EDI work, directorial philosophy, and audience engagement.
The Subtext: Eric Reyes Loo Is Earnest and Eager
This month Brian talks to playwright and screenwriter Eric Reyes Loo about his educational and familial journeys, and the elusive definition of success.
Theatrical Mustang: Emily K. Harrison’s Sense of Balance
This month Woodzick talks to the leader of Boulder’s square product theatre, who also teaches theatre at Hamilton College, about making and training theatre without perpetuating damage.
The Subtext: How Vichet Chum Measures Success
This month Brian talks to Vichet Chum, writer of ‘Bald Sisters’ at Steppenwolf, about how Texas’s competitive culture shaped him and about how his Cambodian American parents feel about his work.
Theatrical Mustang: Migguel Anggelo’s Joy and Exhaustion
This month Woodzick talks with the singer-songwriter-dancer about his new show and album ‘English With an Accent,’ an allegory about immigration and transformation.
The Subtext: Kimber Lee Isn’t Cagey About Her Process
This month Brian talks to the author of ‘tokyo fish story’ and ‘brownsville song (b-side for tray)’ about panic, curiosity, and the earned laughs average.
Offscript: How Is This Time for Jews Onstage Different From All Others?
A conversation with Joel Grey, Tovah Feldshuh, Caissie Levy, Michael Arden, and Bess Wohl about portrayals of Jewishness and antisemitism on New York stages.
