Ep27: Oklahoma to Iran, How Two Playwrights Confront Censorship & Change

In this episode, host Lauren Van Heemert speaks with two playwrights using theater as a tool for social change. David Blakely discusses his adaptation of Enemy of the People, which modernizes Henrik Ibsen’s classic play, tackling environmental and political corruption in Oklahoma. He reflects on the role of theater in exposing uncomfortable truths, his approach to writing non-binary characters, and the evolving landscape of representation on stage. Later, Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour shares insights into his globally acclaimed play White Rabbit, Red Rabbit, which strips away traditional theatrical elements to create a raw and interactive audience experience. He talks about growing up in Iran, writing under censorship, and how his work challenges passive spectatorship by making every audience member an active participant in the story. David Blakely is an award-winning playwright whose works often explore political and social justice themes. His adaptation of Enemy of the People has been staged across the U.S., igniting important conversations about media suppression and environmental responsibility. Nassim Soleimanpour is an internationally recognized playwright best known for White Rabbit, Red Rabbit, a play designed to be performed without rehearsal, direction, or set. His works have been produced worldwide, including in Broadway and West End venues. With an experimental approach to storytelling, Soleimanpour continues to push the boundaries of theatrical form, making audiences think, engage, and react in real-time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices