The Last American Newspaper at theREP Sparks Conversation About the Future of Journalism

Arts and culture journalism was a central focus of a recent town hall at Capital Repertory Theatre, held in conjunction with the production of “The Last American Newspaper” by Ken Tingley. The Oct. 3 event, “American Theatre News Now,” brought together national media professionals and local voices to explore the changing media landscape and the importance of journalism in communities across the country.

The discussion featured Jesse McKinley, correspondent for The New York Times; Matt Britten, founder of Broadway Brands; and Diep Tran, editor-in-chief of Playbill. The conversation followed the 2 p.m. matinee performance and invited audiences to consider the challenges facing journalism, particularly coverage of arts and culture.

In response to a question about what community members could do to help shore up the foundations of our democracy, McKinley urged audiences to subscribe to their local newspaper and subscribe to their local theatre. The crowd of roughly 100 replied with applause, recognizing the value of both institutions. 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 features Beth Pietrangelo, Christopher Innvar, Lise Bruneau, David Girard, and William Oliver Watkins.