fbpx Controversial Pieces | HowlRound Theatre Commons
List

Controversial Pieces

We've had our fair share of drama over the years—here are some of the pieces that kicked it off!

Photo from American Night.
Cal Shakes' American Night asks, "Whose America?" and also, "Whose theater?"
Essay

Cal Shakes' American Night asks, "Whose America?" and also, "Whose theater?"

16 July 2013

California Shakespeare Theater, under the direction of Jonathan Moscone, has changed route from classic work to new work that explores the diverse culture and artistry of the Golden State.

Howlround logo.
An Apology
Essay

An Apology

19 July 2013

P. Carl issues an apology on behalf of HowlRound and Lily Janiak in regards to a NewCrit piece.

A Collective Call Against Critical Bias
Essay

A Collective Call Against Critical Bias

26 June 2017

A collectively authored essay by leading artists, academics, and theatre advocates about Paula Vogel’s Indecent and Lynn Nottage’s Sweat on Broadway amid a conversation about critical bias toward women playwrights and playwrights of color.

Why Hamilton is Not the Revolution You Think it is
Essay

Why Hamilton is Not the Revolution You Think it is

23 February 2016

James McMaster on the politics of Hamilton and the need for a musical theatre revolution.

Facing Facts
Essay

Facing Facts

Artists Have to be Entrepreneurs

12 April 2015

Seth Lepore talks about gaining the skills to self-produce and theatre artists as entrepreneurs.

two signs that say "nonprofit" and "for profit"
The Private Theater, aka “Dynamic Pricing”
Essay

The Private Theater, aka “Dynamic Pricing”

27 March 2014

In the last couple of seasons I’ve become aware of a ticket scheme already practiced by some of our larger regional theaters, and currently under consideration at some where my plays are produced. And this practice goes by a very catchy and newfangled name. It’s being called “dynamic pricing.” But it’s not a new practice. It’s actually quite old, and has a more familiar name. It’s called "scalping".

The Republican elephant.
How “Right” is Right?
Essay

How “Right” is Right?

Conservative Voices in Theater

6 November 2012

Daniel Jones explores the illusive idea of a conservative playwright: is the theater, in essence, a liberal pursuit?

a man holding a TV frame on his head
Against the New Play
Essay

Against the New Play

(or, What Is Theatre For?)

3 December 2018

Rob Onorato talks about boredom as an audience member, the uninspired play, what film has going for it that theatre does not, and more.