Visible through the windows of the ArtLab, the construction site for the American Repertory Theater’s new Goel Center for Creativity and Performance bustles with activity. This new home for the A.R.T. promises to accommodate public gatherings and community activities alongside the typical slate of theatrical works, weaving itself into a thriving arts community in Allston.

In Season 3, episode 4 of “Works in Progress,” ArtLab director Bree Edwards speaks with Dayron J. Miles, Associate Artistic Director at the American Repertory Theater, about the power of theater to bring communities together.

Dayron’s belief in theater as an artistic experience that helps exercise skills of democratic thinking grounds much of his practice. This ideal draws back to the early days of Western theater in Ancient Greece — a source of inspiration for Dayron. With anecdotes stretching from his time in high school to his current work with the A.R.T., Dayron shares his experiences connecting with local communities and building empathy through theatrical exposure.

Looking forward to the Goel Center’s opening, we discuss how this new space turns many of these ideals into a reality. Join us for a thoughtful conversation that reminds us to keep listening and playing throughout our lives.

Thanks for joining us for Works in Progress. We hope these conversations give you a glimpse into the creativity, collaboration, and experimentation happening at ArtLab. To learn more, visit artlab.harvard.edu.

The podcast is recorded in the Mead Production Lab at the ArtLab in Boston, Massachusetts.

Hosted by Bree Edwards
Audio by Luke Damroch
Production by Kat Nakaji
Research by Sadie Trichler & Ria Cuéllar-Koh

Design by James Blue & Sonia Ralston