AMERICAN THEATRE | The Subtext: Samuel D. Hunter Writes His Means Dwelling

Every month on The Subtext, Brian speaks with a playwright about life, writing, and no matter itches we’re scratching.

On this month’s episode, Brian talks to playwright Samuel D. Hunter concerning the writing life. He discusses his experiences rising up within the Pacific Northwest and being outed by a juvenile Javert at his conservative spiritual highschool, balancing writing and parenthood, and growing his newest play at Steppenwolf in Chicago. In Little Bear Ridge Highway, which runs June 13-July 21, an estranged aunt and nephew reunite to scrub up the mess left behind after a troubled father’s passing. The play is directed by Joe Mantello and stars Laurie Metcalf.

Hunter grew up in Moscow, Idaho, and lives in New York Metropolis along with his husband and daughter. His performs embrace The Whale, A Case for the Existence of God, A Vibrant New Boise, Better Clements, Lewiston/Clarkston, The Few, A Nice Wilderness, Relaxation, Pocatello, The Therapeutic, and The Harvest, amongst others. His screenplay adaptation of The Whale, directed by Darren Aronofsky and starring Brendan Fraser, was nominated for the 2023 BAFTA Award for Greatest Tailored Screenplay and acquired two Oscars, together with Greatest Actor. He was additionally a author and producer on all 4 seasons of FX’s Baskets. He’s the recipient of a 2014 MacArthur “Genius Grant” Fellowship, a 2012 Whiting Writers Award and an honorary doctorate from the College of Idaho. He holds levels in playwriting from NYU, the Iowa Playwrights Workshop, and Juilliard.