© 2025 Abbetuck

Drama

Lin-Manuel Miranda's "Hamilton" united people by celebrating diversity, bridging cultural gaps and making American history relevant to contemporary audiences. The musical theatre piece remains a testament to the power of art to bring people together and spark meaningful conversations.

Playwriting. Screenwriting.

How have literary artists working in theatre, film or new media activated their talents for our common good? What action can you take today?

If you are a scriptwriter working in theatre, film or video, here are ways you might harness your creativity and talents to inspire, mobilize and unite people around common causes:

  • Address Social Issues: Playwrights and screenwriters have often tackled pressing social issues through their works. You can use a variety of styles and genres that will prompt audiences to think critically about real-life issues and urge them to question societal norms.

  • Promote Political Change: Playwrights and screenwriters have used their platforms to advocate for political change. However, as Americans have become more polarized, producers are shying away from telling overtly political stories. Write one anyway. Metaphor, allegory and comedy can often carry stealth messages.

  • Mobilize Public Opinion: Scriptwriters have also played a crucial role in mobilizing public opinion. You have extraordinary power to represent human passion and situations. You can satirize fascism, criticize oppressive regimes and tackle controversial topics like immigration, gun control, and election integrity.

  • Unite Communities: Artistic works have the power to unite communities by fostering empathy and understanding. You can bring diverse audiences together by celebrating our commonalities or shared cultural narratives.

  • Inspire Activism: Playwrights and screenwriters have inspired activism by giving voice to marginalized groups. You can address mental health and societal expectations, encouraging empathy and support for those struggling with these issues. You can also spark discussions about racial tensions and police brutality, inspiring viewers to take action.

Address Social Issues

With the film, "Emilia Pérez," French film director, producer and screenwriter Jacques Audiard had the goal of creating an emotionally engaging story that explores themes of identity, transformation and resilience. By using a musical format, Audiard aimed to make the story more relatable.

LEARN MORE

Promote Political Change

In the 1970s, Norman Lear wrote and produced groundbreaking television shows including "All in the Family," "Maude," "Sanford and Son," "The Jeffersons" and "One Day at a Time." His work has had lasting sociopolitical impact because he was willing to address controversial topics and push boundaries.

LEARN MORE

Mobilize Public Opinion

Charlie Chaplin's "The Great Dictator" (1940) was a groundbreaking film that used satire to mobilize public opinion against fascism and Adolf Hitler. Chaplin's ability to blend humor with a powerful message also made "The Great Dictator" a significant tool in mobilizing peace and unity.

LEARN MORE

Unite Communities

"I, Daniel Blake," a 2016 British film directed by Ken Loach and written by Paul Laverty, tells the story of a 59-year-old carpenter who suffers a heart attack and is declared unfit to work by his doctor. Winner of the 2016 Palme d'Or, the film galvanized support for changes to UK's welfare system.

LEARN MORE

Inspire Activism

"Do the Right Thing" captured the cultural zeitgeist of the late eighties and early nineties, addressing themes of gentrification and economic disparity. The 1989 Spike Lee film also helped bring police brutality to the forefront by mirroring real-life incidents, particularly in the context of movements like Black Lives Matter.

LEARN MORE
"The Thanksgiving Play" by Larissa FastHorse.

"The Thanksgiving Play" by Larissa FastHorse is a satirical comedy that critiques performative activism and cultural insensitivity. The play centers around four well-meaning but culturally insensitive white theater artists who attempt to create a politically correct elementary school play about the first Thanksgiving.

James is the founder and Managing Director of BlockWorks, a collective of designers, artists, and developers from around the world with a shared passion for Minecraft.
Aristophanes' ancient Greek comedy, "Lysistrata."

In Aristophanes' ancient Greek comedy, "Lysistrata," the title character and other Athenian women demand an end to the Peloponnesian War against Sparta. They refuse sex with the men of Athens until peace is negotiated. Aristophanes' work not only entertained but also provoked thought and discussion about political and social issues, making him a pioneer in the realm of political theatre.

Are you aware of a theatre, video game or film writer who is mobilizing meaningful change in the world with their art form?
TELL US ABOUT THEM
"March" by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin and Nate Powell.

Check out our enlightened reading list and make suggestions to it

Abbetuck

Abbetuck
P.O. Box 222303
Dallas, TX | USA

Abbetuck encourages artists to create works that inspire compassion and promote freedom.

© 2025 Abbetuck