Theater Director Focusing on Marginalized Voices

Tarell Alvin McCraney, the newly appointed artistic director of the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles, is committed to making theater more inclusive for marginalized communities. As nonprofit theaters continue to recover from pandemic-related shutdowns, McCraney is exploring unconventional outreach by engaging with individuals in prisons, homeless shelters, and the foster care system. His vision is to create a welcoming environment where those who are often overlooked can see their stories reflected on stage. In a recent interview, McCraney emphasized the importance of presenting plays that resonate with the experiences of marginalized individuals. He aims to ensure that the theater serves as a platform for voices that are typically silenced, particularly those who are formerly incarcerated or navigating difficult life circumstances. This season, he has chosen to kick off with his own work, "The Brothers Size," which delves into the complex relationship between two brothers, one of whom has just been released from prison. The Geffen Playhouse, which operates on an annual budget of approximately $15 million and employs 45 full-time staff members, plans to continue this mission with upcoming productions, including "Waiting for Godot" and "Furlough’s Paradise." While these outreach initiatives may not immediately boost ticket sales, they reflect a broader effort among nonprofit theaters nationwide to rebuild their audiences amid declining subscriptions and changing cultural landscapes.