An interview with Laura Ekstrand ( Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre ) and Carl Wallnau ( Centenary Stage Company ).
Do you think the election and new administration will spur more politically-charged plays in the near future ? Ekstrand — Yes , I do . I ’ m seeing artists ( and everyone else ) waking up to how important their participation in public discourse is since the election . As many have pointed out , friction often yields great art , and hopefully that will be the case here . Depending on how this administration plays out , the arts will be a way to respond to what ’ s happening in a very public way , and perhaps to help inform and influence the public for the good . Wallnau — The theatre has always been political . Even plays that seem to make no political statement are unintentionally advocating for the status quo . The theatre is always one of the first areas subjected to censorship by totalitarian governments because they know that the theatre is always a force for agitation . Just as gender , race and sexuality have been at the forefront of many contemporary works , so too shall the new political environment spur writers on to new directions , insights and perspectives .
Could you see your theatre presenting more politicallycharged works in future seasons ? Wallnau — I would hope so . We already are seeking works that deal with contemporary issues in meaningful ways . We will see if we are up to the challenge .