Drama that Drives Conversation

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. Stories That Challenge & Inspire.

Literary artists in theatre, film, and new media shape narratives that expose injustice, foster empathy, and mobilize communities. How will your words ignite action 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: Stories shift perspectives. Playwrights and screenwriters weave pressing social issues into compelling narratives, prompting audiences to reflect, challenge norms, and engage in difficult conversations that move society forward.

  • Promote Political Change: Polarization makes storytelling more vital than ever. Even as producers shy away from overtly political narratives, art thrives in metaphor, allegory, and satire. Writing that speaks between the lines can be just as disruptive ... and just as necessary.

  • Mobilize Public Opinion: Film, theatre, and new media have shaped movements and shifted national conversations. From historical dramas exposing systemic injustice to satirical scripts dismantling oppressive ideologies, storytelling gives voice to the silenced and sharpens public awareness.

  • Unite Communities: Drama is empathy in motion. By illuminating shared experiences and deepening cultural narratives, theatre and film bring audiences together across divides – creating space for dialogue, connection, and collective reckoning.

  • Inspire Activism: Stories spark action. Whether amplifying marginalized voices, confronting mental health stigmas, or reckoning with racial injustice, playwriting and screenwriting challenge audiences to not only witness but respond – to stand up, speak out, and demand better.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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?