In previews for her play “English,” playwright Sanaz Toossi found herself navigating the reactions of her audience, particularly in a scene where a character struggles with English. The intention was to implicate the audience in their laughter and provoke them to examine their privilege. Toossi acknowledges the political nature of her work, especially when performed for a mostly white, affluent crowd.
This spring, political theater continues to take center stage on Broadway. Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ satire “Purpose” and revivals of “Othello,” “Glengarry Glen Ross,” and “Good Night, and Good Luck” are set to challenge and engage audiences. The challenge for these shows is to speak to the moment without feeling forced or overly political.
Looking ahead, the theater world may face challenges in responding quickly to the ever-changing political landscape. The second term of the Trump administration and the uncertainty of the future make it difficult to predict what timely artistic responses may look like. Will upcoming political shows offer catharsis, solidarity, pushback, hope, or outrage in a world where it feels like we are constantly on the edge of a new crisis?
As the fall of 2026 approaches, playwrights and audiences alike will have to grapple with creating and consuming political theater that is both timely and impactful in a world that is constantly shifting. The goal will be to create work that resonates without feeling contrived, serving as a beacon of light in a time of uncertainty.
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