However, if theatre owners and operators were interested in showcasing more work by Black artists, there are numerous plays and musicals by Black writers that could potentially make their way to Broadway. These shows have already been written, had successful productions elsewhere, and have the support of either commercial producers or non-profit presenters. This shift would require making space for producers and artists who may not have as much experience in commercial theatre as the industry veterans who typically dominate Broadway. Playwright Lynn Nottage, who faced challenges breaking into Broadway herself, is hopeful that the theatre scene will be more diverse and inclusive when it reopens. Currently, three-quarters of Broadway theatres are controlled by just three organisations. In order to stage a Broadway production, producers typically need to rent a theatre and agree to share box office profits with one of the landlords. In recent years, Broadway has been thriving, leading to limited availability of theatres. However, industry experts anticipate a change next year due to the uncertainty caused by the pandemic. The Shuberts, who own the most theatres, are planning to come back with a diverse lineup of shows. Robert E Wankel, the chairman and chief executive of the Shubert Organization, stated that they always prioritize booking plays with Black writers, directors, and subject matters. Some of the shows looking for theatres for the upcoming Broadway season include a revival of Ntozake Shange’s "For Coloured Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf," a revival of Charles Randolph-Wright’s "Blue," and a new play by Keenan Scott II called "Thoughts of a Coloured Man." Stephanie Ybarra, the artistic director of Baltimore Centre Stage, believes that "Thoughts of a Coloured Man" would be a hit on Broadway. The play, co-commissioned by Baltimore Centre Stage and Syracuse Stage, follows seven Black men through a day in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. There are several musicals in the works, with one of the most notable being "A Strange Loop" by Michael R Jackson, which recently won the Pulitzer Prize for drama. Despite not heading directly to Broadway, producer Barbara Whitman is planning a non-profit run next summer at Woolly Mammoth in Washington before attempting to bring the show to New York. Two other musicals with Black writers, "Born for This" and "Paradise Square," are also aiming for theatres next spring. "Born for This," a production that has been staged in various cities including Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles, and Washington, is being produced by Ron Gillyard, a music executive. "Paradise Square," which had a production at Berkeley Repertory Theatre, has Marcus Gardley as one of its book writers and is led by Canadian producer Garth Drabinsky, who is aiming for a comeback after serving time in prison for fraud. Gillyard, along with veteran theatre industry player Jenny Gersten, is working to navigate Broadway and is asking for a chance. Among the 41 Broadway houses, six are controlled by nonprofit theatres, and two of them have plays by Black writers scheduled for the 2021-22 season. The Roundabout Theatre Company plans to stage a production of "Trouble in Mind," a 1955 play by Alice Childress that addresses racism in theatre, during the winter. Roundabout artistic director Todd Haimes stated that this decision reflects a deliberate effort to showcase lesser-known classics by artists of color. He described the play as remarkable, mentioning that it is not a completely unknown masterpiece but more of a partially discovered one that never received the recognition it deserved due to fear. Second Stage Theatre intends to produce a new comedic play by Nottage in the fall of 2021, focusing on a sandwich shop that hires formerly incarcerated individuals. The play, previously titled "Floyd's" after a production at the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis, will be renamed to avoid any association with George Floyd. A more diverse representation on Broadway is crucial for artists, as it offers better pay and opportunities for career growth. Playwright Jocelyn Bioh, known for "School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play," is working on a new Afrobeat musical called "Goddess," based on a Kenyan myth, set to premiere at Berkeley Rep with plans to bring it to Broadway. Bioh emphasized the importance of addressing diversity in the theater industry and nurturing fearless producers. Additionally, there are three jukebox musicals by Black writers set to debut next year, including "Ain't Too Proud" and "Tina," which were delayed by the pandemic but are finally getting their chance on the Broadway stage. The new arrival is a musical called "MJ" inspired by Michael Jackson, with a book by Nottage, set to premiere next April. While musicals often rely on popular song catalogs for success, plays on Broadway nowadays often hinge on having well-known actors in the lead roles. For instance, Producer Robyn Goodman is trying to bring Cheryl L West's play "Jar the Floor," which explores the lives of four generations of Black women, to Broadway. However, she noted that securing star power is crucial for Broadway productions, and the current uncertainty surrounding schedules has delayed their plans. Another play, "Blue" by Charles Randolph-Wright, focusing on a family of successful funeral home operators, is being produced by Brian Moreland, who also has "Thoughts of a Coloured Man" in the works. Moreland initially tried to secure a Broadway theater for "Blue," directed by Phylicia Rashad, co-produced by John Legend, and starring Leslie Uggams and Lynn Whitfield, but ended up booking it at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem due to the pandemic. Discussions are ongoing about potentially reconsidering its classification as a Broadway venue. Noticing a change in the atmosphere, he is feeling optimistic once more. He expressed interest in securing a Broadway theater if possible. Ron Simons, the main producer of "For Colored Girls," has joined forces with seasoned Broadway producer Nelle Nugent in the hopes that her expertise will help the show secure a theater. The production, originally performed on Broadway in 1976, had a revival at the Public Theatre last year. Camille A. Brown, the choreographer, will also take on the role of director on Broadway, replacing Leah C Gardiner who directed the show downtown. Several shows with Black writers are making their way through nonprofit theaters, including "Pass Over" by Antoinette Nwandu, "Toni Stone" by Lydia Diamond, and "Gun & Powder" by Angelica Chéri and Ross Baum. Additionally, "Dreaming Zenzile" about Miriam Makeba is in development with Mara Isaacs attached as a producer. Powerhouse producers like Disney Theatrical Productions and Scott Rudin are also working on Broadway adaptations of "Hidden Figures" and reviving August Wilson's "The Piano Lesson" and "The Black Clown" by Davóne Tines and Michael Schachter. Some newcomers to Broadway have experience in other areas of the entertainment industry. For example, film producer Lauren Shuler Donner is working on Nottage's stage adaptation of "The Secret Life of Bees," which may have another nonprofit production before going commercial. Lee Daniels, a film and television producer, is planning to bring Jordan E Cooper's "Ain't No Mo'" to Broadway. Daniels faced resistance when discussing the show with Broadway producers, as it is a bold comic fantasia originally staged at the Public Theatre. Despite challenges, Daniels, along with producer Sonia Friedman, is still determined to bring the show to Broadway once the pandemic situation improves. "It is the central point of New York City," he stated, "and we should have a presence right in the heart of New York City." c.2020 The New York Times Company.