Working: Why Writer Ayad Akhtar Reads Shakespeare Every Day
This week, host Isaac Butler talks to playwright Ayad Akhtar about dream journals, beginning the workday by reading Shakespeare, and other creative rituals and techniques. Then Ayad discusses the origins of his new novel, Homeland Elegies, and explains how he was able to blend autobiographical elements with fictional ones.\xa0\nAfter the interview, Isaac and co-host June Thomas talk about one of Ayad\u2019s mentors, legendary theater director Jerzy Grotowski.\nIn the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Ayad recommends two books that transformed the way he thinks about writing.\xa0\nSend your questions about creativity and any other feedback to working@slate.com or give us a call at (304) 933-WORK. That\u2019s (304) 933-9675.\nPodcast production by Cameron Drews.\nIf you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Dear Prudence\u2014and you\u2019ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. It\u2019s only $35 for the first year, and you can get a free two-week trial. Sign up now\xa0to help support our work.\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices