Brian James Polak
@bejaypea.bsky.social
Playwright | Host of The Subtext podcast | Twin Cities based
Reposted by Brian James Polak
A life-changing course with Paula Vogel, San Francisco, post-grad revelations, The Kilroys, joy, and loss on this episode of “The Subtext.”
Sarah Mantell, Illustrator-Turned-Playwright
A life-changing course with Paula Vogel, San Francisco, post-grad revelations, The Kilroys, joy, and loss on this episode of “The Subtext.”
www.americantheatre.org
October 10, 2025 at 5:31 PM
A life-changing course with Paula Vogel, San Francisco, post-grad revelations, The Kilroys, joy, and loss on this episode of “The Subtext.”
Reposted by Brian James Polak
This month on The Subtext, Brian caught up with Minneapolis-based playwright Kira Obolensky, discussing the importance of intentional audience engagement in diverse and unconventional theatre spaces.
www.americantheatre.org/2025/08/18/t...
www.americantheatre.org/2025/08/18/t...
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.
www.americantheatre.org
August 20, 2025 at 5:10 PM
This month on The Subtext, Brian caught up with Minneapolis-based playwright Kira Obolensky, discussing the importance of intentional audience engagement in diverse and unconventional theatre spaces.
www.americantheatre.org/2025/08/18/t...
www.americantheatre.org/2025/08/18/t...
Reposted by Brian James Polak
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 cancer.
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 cancer.
www.americantheatre.org
July 17, 2025 at 12:02 AM
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 cancer.
Reposted by Brian James Polak
In July’s Subtext, L.A.-based Colombian playwright, performer, and teaching artist Diana Burbano talks about sources of inspiration from the Latine theatre canon and building close artistic relationships.
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 relationships.
www.americantheatre.org
July 10, 2025 at 6:03 PM
In July’s Subtext, L.A.-based Colombian playwright, performer, and teaching artist Diana Burbano talks about sources of inspiration from the Latine theatre canon and building close artistic relationships.
Ack. That’s the sound they make after reading my play.
Nantucket Performing Arts Center, a new year-round cultural hub, will be home to ACK Theatre Company, while welcoming other cultural organizations, festivals, and artistic endeavors to Nantucket.
New Nantucket Performing Arts Center Launches With Theatre
The new year-round cultural hub will be home to ACK Theatre Company, while welcoming other cultural organizations, festivals, and artistic endeavors to Nantucket.
www.americantheatre.org
June 10, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Ack. That’s the sound they make after reading my play.
Reposted by Brian James Polak
On this month's @thesubtext.bsky.social, @bejaypea.bsky.social talks to Minneapolis-based playwright Andrew Rosendorf about learning from criticism, connecting with collaborators, and finding his voice.
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.
www.americantheatre.org
June 4, 2025 at 4:09 PM
On this month's @thesubtext.bsky.social, @bejaypea.bsky.social talks to Minneapolis-based playwright Andrew Rosendorf about learning from criticism, connecting with collaborators, and finding his voice.
Reposted by Brian James Polak
The owners of the Herbivorous Butcher are hitting pause to assess the damage.
Minneapolis vegan ‘butcher’ shop temporarily closes after building fire
The owners of the Herbivorous Butcher are hitting pause to assess the damage.
www.startribune.com
May 14, 2025 at 5:49 PM
The owners of the Herbivorous Butcher are hitting pause to assess the damage.
Reposted by Brian James Polak
"I kind of looked at the theatre scene and was like, 'What isn't here? What can I add to it that's missing?' I think creating parts for women and creating parts for young performers that are exciting is how I can contribute to a scene that is very full."
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 school.
www.americantheatre.org
May 7, 2025 at 3:06 PM
"I kind of looked at the theatre scene and was like, 'What isn't here? What can I add to it that's missing?' I think creating parts for women and creating parts for young performers that are exciting is how I can contribute to a scene that is very full."
Reposted by Brian James Polak
Exciting! Terrifying? Lots of things. Trying to work up the courage to listen to myself. But you should listen in the meantime.
"I kind of looked at the theatre scene and was like, 'What isn't here? What can I add to it that's missing?' I think creating parts for women and creating parts for young performers that are exciting is how I can contribute to a scene that is very full."
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 school.
www.americantheatre.org
May 7, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Exciting! Terrifying? Lots of things. Trying to work up the courage to listen to myself. But you should listen in the meantime.
Reposted by Brian James Polak
Our Subtext guest this month, Rachel Bublitz, chafed at the lack of interesting parts when she was in school, particularly for young women. Now the author of FUNNY, LIKE AN ABORTION and THE NIGHT WITCHES writes full, complex characters for new generations. www.americantheatre.org/2025/05/06/t...
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 school.
www.americantheatre.org
May 6, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Our Subtext guest this month, Rachel Bublitz, chafed at the lack of interesting parts when she was in school, particularly for young women. Now the author of FUNNY, LIKE AN ABORTION and THE NIGHT WITCHES writes full, complex characters for new generations. www.americantheatre.org/2025/05/06/t...
Reposted by Brian James Polak
Listen to the latest episode featuring the great Chloe Hung www.americantheatre.org/2025/04/03/t...
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.
www.americantheatre.org
April 7, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Listen to the latest episode featuring the great Chloe Hung www.americantheatre.org/2025/04/03/t...
Reposted by Brian James Polak
Chloé Hung, 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: 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.
www.americantheatre.org
April 4, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Chloé Hung, 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.
How many eggs is your 401k worth?
April 3, 2025 at 9:01 PM
How many eggs is your 401k worth?
Oh does it? What’s in the Diet Coke you guzzle or the processed cheese you slurp?
"The vaccination has stuff we don't trust," said the father of the 6-year-old girl who died from measles at the end of last month. Tom Bartlett visited with a family confronting an unthinkable tragedy:
The Texas Girl Who Died From Measles
Her father tells her story.
www.theatlantic.com
March 12, 2025 at 11:34 AM
Oh does it? What’s in the Diet Coke you guzzle or the processed cheese you slurp?
Reposted by Brian James Polak
Time to dig into "The Subtext!" This month Brian talks with Tim J. Lord about how he went from technician to playwright, and how to find the real drama behind a true historical event.
www.americantheatre.org/2025/03/06/t...
www.americantheatre.org/2025/03/06/t...
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.
www.americantheatre.org
March 11, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Time to dig into "The Subtext!" This month Brian talks with Tim J. Lord about how he went from technician to playwright, and how to find the real drama behind a true historical event.
www.americantheatre.org/2025/03/06/t...
www.americantheatre.org/2025/03/06/t...
Latest New Balance ad just dropped. Where do I get these?
February 23, 2025 at 1:43 AM
Latest New Balance ad just dropped. Where do I get these?
Reposted by Brian James Polak
Make sure you're up-to-date with The Subtext! Earlier this month, we published a convo with playwright, director, and performer Aya Ogawa about “hacking away with a machete” toward a career and directing their own work.
www.americantheatre.org/2025/02/07/t...
www.americantheatre.org/2025/02/07/t...
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.
www.americantheatre.org
February 21, 2025 at 11:16 PM
Make sure you're up-to-date with The Subtext! Earlier this month, we published a convo with playwright, director, and performer Aya Ogawa about “hacking away with a machete” toward a career and directing their own work.
www.americantheatre.org/2025/02/07/t...
www.americantheatre.org/2025/02/07/t...
The Bread & Roses documentary on Apple+ is absolutely stunning. Please watch if you have access. The Taliban are afraid of women and use all their power to quiet them and hide them but Afghan women are smart and powerful and are fighting back.
February 12, 2025 at 7:26 PM
The Bread & Roses documentary on Apple+ is absolutely stunning. Please watch if you have access. The Taliban are afraid of women and use all their power to quiet them and hide them but Afghan women are smart and powerful and are fighting back.
Reposted by Brian James Polak
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. www.americantheatre.org/2025/02/07/t...
#PlaywrightsTalking #playwriting #theatre #theater
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. www.americantheatre.org/2025/02/07/t...
#PlaywrightsTalking #playwriting #theatre #theater
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.
www.americantheatre.org
February 11, 2025 at 6:00 PM
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. www.americantheatre.org/2025/02/07/t...
#PlaywrightsTalking #playwriting #theatre #theater
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. www.americantheatre.org/2025/02/07/t...
#PlaywrightsTalking #playwriting #theatre #theater
People talk so much about praising a god but it’s clear all what people really praise is money and that’s why we’re in this mess
February 5, 2025 at 12:50 AM
People talk so much about praising a god but it’s clear all what people really praise is money and that’s why we’re in this mess
Reposted by Brian James Polak
‘Contempt is a dangerous way to lead a country’: here is the sermon that enraged Donald Trump | Mariann Edgar Budde
‘Contempt is a dangerous way to lead a country’: here is the sermon that enraged Donald Trump | Mariann Edgar Budde
This week, the bishop of Washington delivered a sermon in front of President Trump urging him to show mercy towards LGBTQ+ and migrant communities. The president condemned it as ‘nasty’. We reproduce it in full
O God, you made us in your own image and…
www.theguardian.com
January 24, 2025 at 11:52 AM
‘Contempt is a dangerous way to lead a country’: here is the sermon that enraged Donald Trump | Mariann Edgar Budde
Reposted by Brian James Polak
Eat my whole a**. "Oh they just gave it to the states, they aren't going to federally ban abortion".
🙄😒
To say I'm not surprised is an understatement.
🙄😒
To say I'm not surprised is an understatement.
January 22, 2025 at 12:35 AM
Eat my whole a**. "Oh they just gave it to the states, they aren't going to federally ban abortion".
🙄😒
To say I'm not surprised is an understatement.
🙄😒
To say I'm not surprised is an understatement.
Normal is not a place
to which we can return
but a feeling of calm,
like when we place our hand
in the river’s cool comfort;
normal, yes, but fleeting.
We seek to slide our hand again
into that river,
changed yet hopeful
to feel the calm
of an ever-evolving normal.
-bjp
to which we can return
but a feeling of calm,
like when we place our hand
in the river’s cool comfort;
normal, yes, but fleeting.
We seek to slide our hand again
into that river,
changed yet hopeful
to feel the calm
of an ever-evolving normal.
-bjp
January 22, 2025 at 3:06 AM
Normal is not a place
to which we can return
but a feeling of calm,
like when we place our hand
in the river’s cool comfort;
normal, yes, but fleeting.
We seek to slide our hand again
into that river,
changed yet hopeful
to feel the calm
of an ever-evolving normal.
-bjp
to which we can return
but a feeling of calm,
like when we place our hand
in the river’s cool comfort;
normal, yes, but fleeting.
We seek to slide our hand again
into that river,
changed yet hopeful
to feel the calm
of an ever-evolving normal.
-bjp
Reposted by Brian James Polak
This month Brian talks with playwright, producer, Fire This Time Festival founder, and Apollo Theater director of new works Kelley Nicole Girod about drama, balance, and Louisiana history. www.americantheatre.org/2025/01/08/t...
The Subtext: Kelley Nicole Girod, in It for the Drama
This month Brian talks with the playwright, producer, Fire This Time Festival founder, and Apollo Theater director of new works about drama, balance, and Louisiana history.
www.americantheatre.org
January 9, 2025 at 9:33 PM
This month Brian talks with playwright, producer, Fire This Time Festival founder, and Apollo Theater director of new works Kelley Nicole Girod about drama, balance, and Louisiana history. www.americantheatre.org/2025/01/08/t...
“A door closes but a window opens.”
This house is extremely drafty and a terrible place to live in the winter.
This house is extremely drafty and a terrible place to live in the winter.
January 2, 2025 at 8:17 PM
“A door closes but a window opens.”
This house is extremely drafty and a terrible place to live in the winter.
This house is extremely drafty and a terrible place to live in the winter.