Some playwrights are obvious influences on younger writers. Arthur Miller (realistic, politically engaged dramas) and Christopher Durang (satirical dark comedies) are examples. But August stands apart, … He has his special way of seeing things. I remember he and I were at one of those fancy benefits the Rep has. The gay men’s chorus was singing, and I was very proud to have brought them into a Rep event. And August says, ‘You know, I don’t see any black people up there.’ That was his focus the lives of black people.
