The Subtext

José Rivera: Mystery, Awe, and the Long Apprenticeship

This month Brian talks to the prolific playwright and screenwriter about religion, working-class heroes, and how he learned he's not an actor from Tom Hanks.

Dave Osmundsen Doesn’t Do Inspiration

This month Brian talks to the author of 'Light Switch' and 'Berrywild' about autism, mentorship, and learning to live alongside cringe.

Andrea Stolowitz: I Am My Own Home

This month, Brian talks to Andrea Stolowitz, a playwright and librettist with dual U.S./German citizenship who talks about her complex relationship with home.

Lisa Sanaye Dring Builds Mind Palaces

The playwright and director from Hawaii and Nevada discusses ‘Death Play,’ ‘Sumo,’ yearning, loneliness, and the wisdom of accepting loss.

Patrick Gabridge Plays in Place

The playwright and founding artistic director of a site-specific theatre discusses going from studying computer science at MIT to honing in on his artistry.

Sophie McIntosh: Good Apples and Aspirations

The playwright, originally from Wisconsin, discusses her company, influences, exposure therapy, and the challenges of being an 'emerging' artist.

Ken Urban Makes Music and Meaning

The playwright, screenwriter, and musician talks about juggling various projects, how to manage the emotional ups and downs in an unpredictable career path, and the value

Rachel Lynett Commits

The playwright behind ‘Committed’ and ‘Apologies to Lorraine Hansberry (You Too August Wilson)’ shares their journey from aspiring corporate defense attorney to playwrigh

Brian James Polak Reverses Roles

This 10-year anniversary special turns the tables, as playwright Crystal Skillman interviews host Brian James Polak about how his podcast helped him redefine playwriting

Theresa Rebeck, Angry Optimist

The Brooklyn-based playwright discusses childhood theatre memories in Cincinnati, the continued gender imbalance in the American theatre, and experiences working on iconi

Sarah Mantell, Illustrator-Turned-Playwright

The Susan Smith Blackburn Prize-winning playwright talks about a life-changing course with Paula Vogel, San Francisco, post-grad revelations, the Kilroys, joy, and loss.

Migdalia Cruz Wants to Be Part of World Theatre

The Bronx-born playwright talks Fornés, trauma-informed writing, and parenthood as a writer.

Kira Obolensky’s Body of Work and Life 

The Minneapolis-based playwright discusses the importance of intentional audience engagement in diverse and unconventional theatre spaces.

Subtext Redux: In Memory of Rachel Jendrzejewski

A republished Subtext as tribute to its subject, Rachel Jendrzejewski, a Minneapolis-based interdisciplinary artist and writer who died last week after a battle with canc

The Subtext: Diana Burbano Writes What Scares Her

The L.A.-based Colombian playwright, performer, and teaching artist talks about sources of inspiration from the Latine theatre canon and about building close artistic rel

The Subtext: Andrew Rosendorf Leaves It on the Page

Brian talks to the Minneapolis-based playwright about learning from criticism, connecting with collaborators, and finding his voice.

The Subtext: Rachel Bublitz Is Writing for Her Younger Self

The writer of 'Funny, Like an Abortion' and 'The Night Witches' talks about long commutes, writing science plays, and the parts she wishes she'd been able to play in scho

The Subtext: Chloé Hung and the Magic of Writing

The writer of 'Issei, He Say' talks about making plays from her family's life, feeling the pressure to tell immigrant stories, and rebalancing her priorities.

The Subtext: Tim J. Lord and the Human Story

This month Brian talks with the award-winning playwright about how he went from technician to playwright, and how to find the real drama behind a true historical event.

The Subtext: Aya Ogawa, In Control

This month Brian talks with playwright, director, and performer Aya Ogawa about “hacking away with a machete” toward a career and directing their own work.