“The Last American Newspaper” sparks conversation about the future of journalism at theREP

The role of journalism in American communities took center stage at Capital Repertory Theatre Saturday, Oct. 3, as journalists, media professionals, and community members gathered for a town hall exploring the importance of arts and culture coverage and the changing landscape of American news.

Presented in connection with theREP’s production of Ken Tingley’s “The Last American Newspaper,” the American Theatre News Now Town Hall brought together national media voices and members of the local community for a conversation about the challenges facing journalism and the importance of preserving local storytelling.

The discussion featured Jesse McKinley, a correspondent for The New York Times; Matt Britten, founder of Broadway Brands; and Diep Tran, editor-in-chief of Playbill. Together, the panelists represented perspectives from traditional news reporting, theatre journalism, and arts media.

Held following the production’s 2 p.m. matinee, the event provided an opportunity to explore the real-world issues reflected in Tingley’s work. “The Last American Newspaper” examines a changing news industry and raises questions about the future of local journalism, the people who dedicate their careers to reporting, and the communities that depend on their work.

The town hall extended those conversations beyond the stage, connecting the production’s themes to broader questions about how communities receive information, whose stories are told, and what happens when local news organizations face increasing challenges.

Arts and culture journalism was a central focus of the event. Coverage of local theatre, music, and cultural organizations plays an important role in documenting the creative life of a community, introducing audiences to new experiences, and preserving the stories of the people and institutions that shape a region’s identity. Journalism and the performing arts both help communities better understand themselves, encourage discussion, and provide a platform for perspectives that might otherwise go unheard.

By bringing together national media professionals and local voices, theREP created an opportunity for audiences to engage with the issues behind “The Last American Newspaper” in a setting that encouraged reflection and dialogue.

As the media landscape continues to evolve, the questions raised by “The Last American Newspaper” remain relevant: Who will tell the stories of our communities, and what is lost when those stories go untold?

Header photo features David Girard, William Oliver Watkins, Christopher Innvar, and Lise Bruneau.