Sources for Trend Story

I am writing a trend story on the increase in socially conscious theater in North Carolina and how it is being better received now than in years past.

I will compare the 1996 "Angels in America" production in Charlotte, N.C., which was incredibly controversial, to the 2011 production at PlayMakers Repertory Company in Chapel Hill, N.C.  The PRC production was well received by audiences.  Unlike the Charlotte Repertory Theater production 15 years prior, the PRC production did not inspire riots or boycotting.  PRC's Artistic Director Joe Haj said he did receive hate mail for choosing the play, though.

I plan on contacting Joe Haj for an interview.  If he is unavailable, I will contact Associate Artistic Director Jeffrey Meanza.  I want to find out why PlayMakers has decided to do theater with social justice undertones.  Why did it decide to show "Parchman Hour," "Fences," "Big River," and "A Raisin in the Sun," which all deal with race issues?  And what about "Angels in America" and "8," which deal with gay rights?  Has PlayMakers become a socially conscious theater?

On the national level, I plan on contacting someone at the League of Regional Theaters (LORT) for information on whether there has been an increase in theaters across the country taking on social justice issues into their work.

I want to find out why PRC has decided to have shows that deal largely with social issues and if other theaters are doing this, as well. What makes these shows important?  And why are these shows being better received now than in years past?

Is this type of theater just in Chapel Hill?  Or are there other theaters in North Carolina that are doing this kind of work?  And how are audience members responding? Are audience members' opinions on social justice theater changing?  Are they becoming more tolerant?