TA(L)KING DIRECTION

Recorded on Wednesday, May 3, 2022 In this episode of TA(L)KING DIRECTION, Artistic Director Gabriel Stelian-Shanks and Associate Artistic Director Nilan speak with four time Tony Award winning director Jerry Zaks about his first loves, his current productions, and his legendary career. Editing Services: Catalin Media, @catalinmedia

Recorded on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 In this episode of TA(L)KING DIRECTION, Artistic Director Gabriel Stelian-Shanks and Associate Artistic Director Nilan speak with Daniel Banks, one of the country’s most innovative and imaginative arts leaders and directors. They discuss Daniel’s work with DNAWORKS, being at the forefront of important conversations around equity, social justice, and community engagement; and the important conversations the field needs to have moving forward. Trigger Warning: this episode contains references to racial violence. Editing Services: Catalin Media, @catalinmedia

Recorded on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 In this episode of TA(L)KING DIRECTION, Artistic Director Gabriel Stelian-Shanks and Associate Artistic Director Nilan speak with Timothy Douglas, recipient of the Lloyd Richards Director Award, who has over 120 productions from some of the most prominent theater companies to his credit. They talk about Timothy’s impressive and inspiring career as a director and educator, his thoughts on American theater today and the changes he has seen as a Black director in mostly White institutions, and the areas where he thinks work still needs to be done. Editing Services: Catalin Media, @catalinmedia

Recorded on Tuesday March 22, 2022 In this episode of TA(L)KING DIRECTION, Associate Artistic Director Nilan speaks with Tony-nominated director and playwright, Robert O’Hara, who has been essential in bringing new perspectives and stories about Black bodies and queer lives to the stage. They talk about working outside of the box, what it’s like to be both writer and director of a show, working in the classical canon as Black director, and what the actual labor of creating a production is like. Editing Services: Catalin Media, @catalinmedia

Recorded on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 In this episode of TA(L)KING DIRECTION, Artistic Director Gabriel Stelian-Shanks and Associate Artistic Director Nilan speak with Tony Award-winning director, Rebecca Taichman. Known as a director who is committed to the development of the projects she works on, they discuss her role as director and co-creator of Indecent, her dedication and determination to bringing Sing Street to Broadway, as well as her thoughts on gender parity in the theater, considering she has an exclusive role as one of only 10 women directors to have received a Tony Award for direction. Editing Services: Catalin Media, @catalinmedia

Recorded on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 In this episode of TA(L)KING DIRECTION, Artistic Director Gabriel Stelian-Shanks and Associate Artistic Director Nilan speak with Snehal Desai, Producing Artistic Director of East West Players. Located in L.A., East West Players, now entering its 56th Season, is one of the longest continuously-operating theaters of color in the United States. A former Drama League Fellow, Snehal discusses what it’s like to be a leader of such an institution in our current times and his vision for the company and its future. Editing Services: Catalin Media, @catalinmedia

Recorded on Friday, December 10, 2021 In this episode of TA(L)KING DIRECTION, Artistic Director Gabriel Stelian-Shanks and Associate Artistic Director Nilan are joined by the incomparable Liz Diamond. Liz is the Chair of Directing at David Geffen School of Drama at Yale University, and Resident Director at Yale Repertory Theatre. She has worked around the world as a director and teacher, influencing and inspiring generations of directors. They discuss her incredible career, the art of directing, and new demands directors are facing to counter inequities in the field. Editing Services: Catalin Media, @catalinmedia

Recorded on Thursday, November 18, 2021 The shutdown of theater due to the pandemic changed the industry and the job of every arts administrator within it forever. Changes in effort, execution, curation and sustainability are now very present questions that are being addressed every day at every institution. Today’s podcast pulls back the curtains on that work to reveal some light on the work that often goes unnoticed. In this episode of TA(L)KING DIRECTION, Associate Artistic Director Nilan is joined by the Bold Associate Artistic Director of WP Theater, director, and choreographer, Rebecca Martinez. They discuss the changes that are happening, rebuilding trust within the artistic community, and shifts that are happening. Editing Services: Catalin Media, @catalinmedia

Recorded on Wednesday October 27, 2021 The return of Broadway has come with some change and opportunity. Black storytellers are finally getting the opportunity to share their stories, providing audiences the opportunity to see the complexities of Black thoughts, life, and performance through a myriad of narratives. In this episode of TA(L)KING DIRECTION, Associate Artistic Director Nilan sits down with director Steve H. Broadnax III, who made his Broadway directorial debut with Thoughts of a Colored Man by Keenan Scott II. They discuss what it’s been like to be a first-time director on Broadway, what it’s like to bring world premiere productions to life, and how Steve's role in education informs what he does on stage. Editing Services: Catalin Media, @catalinmedia

Recorded on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 The recent Tony Award broadcast signaled to the world that Broadway is back and was an important element in the journey of re-establishing the theatre industry. In this episode, The Drama League’s Associate Artistic Director Nilan talks with Heather A. Hitchens, the President and CEO and Emilio Sosa, the recently named chair of the American Theatre Wing. They discuss lessons learned during the shutdown, the Wing’s Counting Together project, the difficulty the industry is having facing its failures, and more. Editing Services: Catalin Media, @catalinmedia

Recorded on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 As theatres are reopening and shows are beginning across stages on and Off-Broadway, we take a closer look at whose stories are being told and how. In this episode, The Drama League’s Artistic Director Gabriel Stelian-Shanks and Associate Artistic Director Nilan talk with John Doyle, Artistic Director of Classic Stage Company. They discuss how "classics" have traditionally been defined in the theater, what it’s like to revisit classic work today, the importance of embracing change in how we understand and identify classic theatrical work, and what's next for John after he steps down from CSC at the end of this season. Editing Services: Catalin Media, @catalinmedia

Artists and audiences are coming back together again as live performances, including the reopening of Broadway, are returning. In this episode, The Drama League’s Associate Artistic Director Nilan, speaks to Zhailon Levingston, who is making history as the youngest Black director with his debut on Broadway directing Douglas Lyons’ Chicken and Biscuits. Nilan and Zhailon speak about the return of theatre, what it means for artists that seven Black productions are leading the reemergence of Broadway, and how directing and advocacy intersect. Editing Services: Catalin Media, @catalinmedia

Recorded on May 18, 2021 DirectorFest 2021 is right around the corner, and to celebrate we're highlighting the directors that are bringing the virtual festival to life. The Drama League's New York Directing Fellowship lives at the heart of the organization's mission by providing industry-focused development and creative skill-building for emerging directors, with the annual director-focused festival serving as a culmination to the program. In this week's episode, The Drama League's Associate Artistic Director Nilan joins two of the current New York Fellows, Cristina Angeles (Unfuckwithable) and Taylor Haven Holt (A Girl's Bedroom), in discussion about their journey as directors up to now and the road ahead for the American theater. To learn more and RSVP to DirectorFest, visit directorfest.org. For more information about Cristina Angeles visit: http://www.cristinaangeles.com/ For more information about Taylor Haven Holt visit: http://www.taylorhavenholt.com/ Help support The Drama League: http://bit.ly/DLdonations Editing Services @catalinmedia

Recorded on May 17, 2021 DirectorFest 2021 is right around the corner, and to celebrate we're highlighting the directors that are bringing the virtual festival to life. The Drama League's New York Directing Fellowship lives at the heart of the organization's mission by providing industry-focused development and creative skill-building for emerging directors, with the annual director-focused festival serving as a culmination to the program. In this week's episode, The Drama League's Associate Artistic Director Nilan joins two of the current New York Fellows, Cait Robinson (The K of D) and Signe V. Harriday (the bull-jean stories.), in discussion about their journey as directors up to now and the road ahead for the American theater. To learn more and RSVP to DirectorFest, visit directorfest.org. For more information about DirectorFest visit: https://directorfest.org/ RVSP for DirectorFest here: https://28476a.blackbaudhosting.com/28476a/DirectorFest-2021 For more information about Cait Robinson visit: https://www.cait-robinson.com/ For more information about Signe V. Harriday visit: https://www.signeharriday.com/ Help support The Drama League: http://bit.ly/DLdonations Editing Services @catalinmedia

Recorded on May 3, 2021 Aside from being an internationally renowned producer and director, helming award-winning productions of Blood Wedding in Japan and The Attic locally in New York, Ari Edelson is one of the most influential arts accelerators in the industry. As Artistic Director of Orchard Project and co-founder of Culture Craver, he has spent his career amplifying other artists and transforming the way people connect with and discover culture. In this episode of the podcast, Edelson joins The Drama League’s Artistic Director Gabriel Stelian-Shanks in a conversation about The Orchard Project’s bold vision and a new path ahead in the international theater scene. For more information about The Orchard Project and Air Edelson visit: https://secure.orchardproject.com/content/about-us Help support The Drama League: http://bit.ly/DLdonations Editing Services @catalinmedia

Recorded on March 31, 2021 For over 25 years, audiences around the world have found joy in the trailblazing work of Stafford Arima. Nominated for an Olivier Award for his direction of the West End premiere of Ragtime, Arima has spent his career elevating the theater scene across the pod and across North America. In 2015, he made history when he became the first Asian-Canadian artist to direct a musical on Broadway, Allegiance starring Lea Salonga and George Takei, but his legacy also includes work with the Stratford Festival, Paper Mill Playhouse, Goodspeed Musicals, The Old Globe, and Theatre Calgary, where he currently serves as the Artistic Director. In this episode, The Drama League’s Artistic Director Gabriel Stelian-Shanks connects with Arima about his introduction into the world of directing and the role artistic leaders play in creating a dialogue with the community. For more information about Stafford Arima visit: http://staffordarima.com/index.html Help support The Drama League: http://bit.ly/DLdonations Editing Services @catalinmedia

Recorded on February 28, 2021 The Drama League’s commitment to directors spans across the globe, and in this week’s episode, we’re taking listeners to Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital city, to connect with two of the region’s most revered theater practitioners. Kalina Wagenstein is the director of Art Office Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote and circulate the performing arts and artists of Bulgaria at home and abroad. Additionally, she has led the Sofia brand of the Swiss Culture program, supported 400+ projects in culture and arts, and has held positions at the Bulgarian News Agency, The National Film Center, and the National Film Archive. Joining her is Dr. Petar Kaukov, Ph.D., the Associate Professor at the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts in Sofia, and the former Deputy Director and CEO of Youth Theatre “Nikolay Binev,” one of the largest theaters in all of Bulgaria. A noted director across Europe, he has worked on many international exchange projects including the Icarus award-winning Bulgarian premiere of Avenue Q. In conversation with The Drama League’s Gabriel Stelian-Shanks and Nilan, the artists dissect the structural differences in the American and Bulgarian arts scene while forecasting the future of international exchange in theater. The Drama League gratefully recognizes The Trust for Mutual Understanding for making this conversation possible with their generous support for the International Stage Directors Exchange. For more information about TMU: http://www.tmuny.org/ Help support The Drama League: http://bit.ly/DLdonations Editing Services @catalinmedia

Recorded on March 15, 2021 Dramaturgs have long played a critical role in developing and examining new works of theater, but the job is often difficult to describe to those unfamiliar with the show development process. Natasha Sinha, producer, dramaturg, and now Playwrights Horizons' Associate Artistic Director, is no stranger to the process, having played an integral role in developing new works by Michael R. Jackson, Grace McLean, Shakina Nayfack, Danny Pudi, Heather Raffo, and many more. In this episode, Sinha joins The Drama League’s Artistic Director Gabriel Stelian-Shanks to examine the role of the dramaturg in our ever-changing art form while discussing initiatives to improve the livelihoods of arts workers across the globe. For more information about Natasha Sinha & Beehive Dramaturgy Studio visit: http://www.beehivedramaturgy.com/natashasinha If you're a director needing assistance, visit our COVID-19 resources and emergency relief programs here: dramaleague.org/covidresources/covid19resources Help support The Drama League: http://bit.ly/DLdonations Editing Services @catalinmedia

Recorded on February 21, 2021 The Drama League’s commitment to directors spans across the globe, and in this week’s episode, we’re taking listeners to Romania to explore the country’s cultural state of affairs with two of Eastern Europe's greatest visionaries. Maia Morgenstern has been called ‘The Meryl Streep of Romania,’ familiar to audiences around the world from her acclaimed role as Virgin Mary in “The Passion of the Christ” film in addition to her European Film Award-winning role as Nelan in “Balanta.” Morgenstern is currently the Artistic Director of the National Jewish Theater of Romania, the oldest continuously operating Yiddish-language theater in the world. Joining her is Letita Vladescu, an actress who has starred at the Bucharest National Theatre of Operetta and Music with credits including the recent smash comedy film “Miami Bici,” television series “Vlad,” and a highly acclaimed solo show Thy Sonia, written and directed by Lia Bugnar. In conversation with The Drama League’s Gabriel Stelian-Shanks and Nilan, the artists discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the Romanian film and theater industry and look ahead to a promising future of cross-cultural exchange. The Drama League gratefully recognizes The Trust for Mutual Understanding for making this conversation possible with their generous support for the International Stage Directors Exchange. For more information about TMU: http://www.tmuny.org/ If you're a director needing assistance, visit our COVID-19 resources and emergency relief programs here: dramaleague.org/covidresources/covid19resources Help support The Drama League: http://bit.ly/DLdonations Editing Services @catalinmedia

Recorded on March 15, 2021 A multi-hyphenate artist in every sense, Kamilah Forbes has spent her career on the inside of New York’s greatest institutions and directing on stages alongside legends like Kenny Leon and Lynn Nottage. As an award-winning producer of theater and television with credits like NBC’s The Wiz Live, and Broadway’s A Raisin In The Sun, The Mountaintop, and Stick Fly, and as The Apollo Theater’s current Executive Producer, Forbes has forged several paths across genres and carries a commitment to creating works for, by, and about the Hip Hop generation. In this week’s episode, Forbes joins The Drama League’s Associate Artistic Director Nilan in conversation about what goes into the work she creates with an offering for a future generation of art makers. For more information about Kamilah Forbes and the Apollo Theatre visit: https://www.apollotheater.org/about/leadership/ If you're a director needing assistance, visit our COVID-19 resources and emergency relief programs here: dramaleague.org/covidresources/covid19resources Help support The Drama League: http://bit.ly/DLdonations Editing Services @catalinmedia