How to Use Dark Humor and Intimacy in Theater Writing, with Playwright Michelle Kholos Brooks
The best art often challenges our comfort zones and makes us reexamine commonly held beliefs. The work of today’s guest does that with one of history’s most challenging figures, while adding a dash of humor to the mix.
Playwright and director Michelle Kholos Brooks joins host Holly Hughes for a delightful conversation about her creative playwriting process and challenging people’s perceptions about the treatment of young women through her latest play, Hitler’s Tasters.
Holly and Michelle talk about the inspiration behind Hitler’s Tasters and the chance encounter that inspired it. They also discuss the balance between humor and tension, breaking writer’s block through overcoming fear and the critical importance of being open minded when consuming art.
Connect with Michelle Kholos Brooks online at michellekholosbrooks.com. Connect with other playwrights at newplayexchange.org.
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Creative Conversations
01:53 The Inspiration Behind 'Hitler's Tasters'
06:38 The Process of Playwriting
13:04 The Challenge of Humor in Dark Themes
18:51 Writing Process and Community Engagement
25:51 Navigating the World of Theater
30:09 Future Aspirations and Current Projects
35:30 Closing Thoughts and Recommendations
