However, if theatre owners and operators, in light of the current conversations surrounding racial injustice, were interested in showcasing more work by Black artists, there are numerous plays and musicals with Black writers that could potentially make their way to Broadway. These productions have already been written, had successful runs elsewhere, and have the backing of either commercial producers or non-profit organizations. Despite the challenges faced by producers and artists who may have less experience in commercial theatre than the established industry figures who typically dominate Broadway, there is hope for a more diverse and inclusive Broadway landscape when theatres reopen. Playwright Lynn Nottage, who struggled to bring her Pulitzer Prize-winning play "Ruined" to Broadway, is now working on three shows with hopes of reaching Broadway. She envisions a Broadway that reflects the world she wants to live in, rather than the current reality. It is worth noting that the majority of Broadway theatres are controlled by the Shubert, Nederlander, and Jujamcyn organizations. In order to put on a Broadway show, producers typically need to rent a theater and agree to share box office earnings with one of the theater owners. In recent years, it has been difficult to find available theaters due to the thriving Broadway scene, but industry experts anticipate a change next year due to the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic. The Shuberts, who own the most theaters, plan to bring back a variety of shows, including those with Black writers, directors, and subject matter. Some of the productions looking for theaters include a well-received 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 "Thoughts of a Coloured Man" would be successful on Broadway. The play, which follows seven Black men through a day in Brooklyn's Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, was co-commissioned by Baltimore Centre Stage and Syracuse Stage. Several musicals are in a promising position, including "A Strange Loop" by Michael R Jackson, which won the Pulitzer Prize for drama this year. Despite not heading directly to Broadway, the show is described as a reflection on universal human fears and insecurities. Commercial producer Barbara Whitman attempted to secure a Broadway house last year, but with no success. Instead, she is planning a non-profit run at Woolly Mammoth in Washington next summer, with hopes of trying again in New York afterwards. Additionally, two musicals with Black writers are aiming for theatres next spring: "Born for This," which tells the story of gospel singer BeBe Winans, and "Paradise Square," which explores Irish-Black relations in 19th-century New York. "The musical 'Born for This,' which has been performed in 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 the experienced Canadian producer Garth Drabinsky, who is making a comeback after serving time in prison for fraud. Gillyard, along with longtime theatre industry player Jenny Gersten, is determined to navigate Broadway with new ideas. Nonprofit theatres control six of the 41 Broadway houses, with two of them planning plays by Black writers for the 2021-2022 season. The Roundabout Theatre Company will be staging 'Trouble in Mind,' a 1955 play by Alice Childress that addresses racism in theatre, that winter. Roundabout artistic director Todd Haimes expressed a commitment to showcasing lesser-known classics by artists of colour." He mentioned that the play is exceptional and not completely unknown but rather partially discovered and undervalued due to fear. Second Stage Theatre is planning to present a new comedic play by Nottage in the fall of 2021, which revolves around 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. Increasing diversity on Broadway is crucial for artists as it offers higher salaries and career opportunities, as well as wider exposure for their work. 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, with plans to bring it to Broadway. Bioh highlights the importance of addressing diversity on Broadway and encouraging a new generation of fearless producers. Next year, three jukebox musicals with Black writers are expected to debut, including "Ain't Too Proud" and "Tina," which were delayed by the pandemic. The new show is "MJ," focusing on Michael Jackson, with a book by Nottage and plans to open in April. While musicals often rely on popular song catalogues for success, plays on Broadway now depend heavily on having well-known actors in the lead roles. For instance, producer Robyn Goodman is hoping to bring "Jar the Floor," a play by Cheryl L West about four generations of Black women, to Broadway but is facing challenges with casting. Another play, "Blue," by Charles Randolph-Wright, is being produced by Brian Moreland, who also has "Thoughts of a Coloured Man" in the works. Moreland tried to secure a Broadway theatre for "Blue" before the pandemic, but ultimately settled for the Apollo Theatre in Harlem. There is now talk of potentially reconsidering whether the Apollo could be considered a Broadway venue. He believes that the situation is changing and is feeling optimistic once again. He expressed interest in securing a Broadway theater for the show "For Coloured Girls." Ron Simons, the main producer, has teamed up with seasoned Broadway producer Nelle Nugent in hopes that her expertise will assist in securing a theater. The show, originally premiered on Broadway in 1976, was recently brought back at the Public Theatre. Camille A. Brown, who was the choreographer, will now take on the role of director on Broadway, taking over from Leah C Gardiner who directed the show downtown. There are a number of shows created by Black writers making their way through nonprofit theaters, such as "Pass Over" and "Toni Stone," as well as "Gun & Powder," which tells the story of Black twin sisters who became bank-robbing outlaws. Additionally, there are projects like "Dreaming Zenzile," about Miriam Makeba, and a musical adaptation of "Hidden Figures" being developed by Disney Theatrical Productions. Scott Rudin is also looking to revive August Wilson's "The Piano Lesson" and produce a commercial version of "The Black Clown." Some of the new faces on Broadway come from different areas of the entertainment industry. Film producer Lauren Shuler Donner is working on a stage adaptation of "The Secret Life of Bees," while film and television producer Lee Daniels is preparing to bring "Ain't No Mo'" to Broadway. Daniels faced resistance when discussing the show with Broadway producers, but he is determined to bring it to Broadway with the help of British producer Sonia Friedman after the pandemic. He stated that it is the heart of New York City, and we should be located in the center of New York City. ©2020 The New York Times Company.