However, in light of the recent discussions on racial injustice, theatre owners and operators may be considering presenting more work by Black artists. Interviews with artists and producers indicate that there are numerous plays and musicals written by Black writers that could potentially make their way to Broadway. This would require giving opportunities to producers and artists who may have less experience in commercial theatre compared to the industry regulars who typically dominate Broadway. Playwright Lynn Nottage, who faced challenges breaking into Broadway herself, hopes that the theatre scene will be more diverse and inclusive when it reopens. Currently, the majority of Broadway theatres are controlled by the Shubert, Nederlander, and Jujamcyn organisations. To produce a show on Broadway, producers usually need to rent a theater and agree to share box office earnings with one of the landlords. In recent years, it has been challenging to find availability due to the success of Broadway, but industry experts anticipate a change next year due to the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic. The Shuberts, who own the most theaters, are planning to bring back a variety of shows. Robert E. Wankel, the chairman and CEO of the Shubert Organization, stated that they always book plays with Black writers, directors, and subject matters. Some of the shows looking for theaters when Broadway reopens 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 titled "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 follows seven Black men through a day in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant. Multiple musicals are in a promising position, with "A Strange Loop" being a standout after winning the Pulitzer Prize for drama. Despite not heading directly to Broadway, commercial producer Barbara Whitman is planning a non-profit run at Woolly Mammoth in Washington next summer before attempting to secure a Broadway house. Additionally, two musicals by Black writers, "Born for This" and "Paradise Square," are hoping for theatres next spring. "Born for This" focuses on gospel singer BeBe Winans' life and career, while "Paradise Square" explores Irish-Black relations in 19th-century New York. "The musical 'Born for This,' which has been staged in Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles, and Washington, is being produced by music executive Ron Gillyard. '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 making a comeback after serving time in prison for fraud. Gillyard, who has enlisted the help of veteran theatre industry player Jenny Gersten, believes in challenging traditional industry norms. Nonprofit theatres, which control six of the 41 Broadway houses, are planning to showcase works by Black writers in the upcoming season. The Roundabout Theatre Company will present a production of Alice Childress's 1955 play 'Trouble in Mind,' which addresses racism in theatre, in winter 2021. Roundabout artistic director Todd Haimes stated that the decision to feature works by artists of color reflects a deliberate effort to explore lesser-known classics." He expressed that it is an exceptional play that has not received the recognition it deserves due to fear. Second Stage Theatre plans to produce a new comedic play by Nottage in the fall of 2021, which had a previous production at the Guthrie Theatre titled "Floyd's." However, Nottage intends to change the title to avoid confusion with George Floyd. A more diverse Broadway is crucial for theatre artists as it offers better salaries and enhances their careers and work. Playwright Jocelyn Bioh, known for "School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play," is working on a new Afrobeat musical, "Goddess," based on a Kenyan myth, with plans to bring it to Broadway. She believes that addressing the diversity issue on Broadway and nurturing fearless producers is essential. Next year, three jukebox musicals by Black writers are expected to be produced, including "Ain't Too Proud" by Dominique Morisseau and "Tina" by Katori Hall, which were paused by the pandemic after opening in 2019. The new show, "MJ," based on Michael Jackson, is scheduled to open in April with a book by Nottage. Musicals like these often rely on popular song catalogs for pre-sale tickets, but in today's Broadway economy, having well-known actors can be crucial. For instance, producer Robyn Goodman is trying to bring Cheryl L West's "Jar the Floor" to Broadway, but finding stars has proven challenging. Similarly, "Blue," a play by Charles Randolph-Wright, was intended for Broadway with a star-studded cast before the pandemic forced it to the Apollo Theatre in Harlem. There is now talk of reconsidering the play's Broadway potential. He is feeling optimistic once more, sensing a change in the climate. He expressed interest in securing a Broadway theater for the show "For Coloured Girls," partnering with veteran Broadway producer Nelle Nugent to increase their chances. The show, originally premiering on Broadway in 1976, was recently revived at the Public Theater. Camille A. Brown will take over as director on Broadway, replacing Leah C Gardiner. There are several shows by Black writers making their way through nonprofit theaters in hopes of landing Broadway runs, including "Pass Over" by Antoinette Nwandu, "Toni Stone" by Lydia Diamond, and "Gun & Powder" by Angelica Chéri and Ross Baum. Other projects in development include "Dreaming Zenzile" about Miriam Makeba and a musical adaptation of "Hidden Figures" by Disney Theatrical Productions. Scott Rudin is also looking to revive August Wilson's "The Piano Lesson" and produce "The Black Clown." Some of the newcomers to Broadway have experience in other areas of the entertainment industry. Lauren Shuler Donner, known for producing films like "X-Men," is working on Nottage's stage adaptation of "The Secret Life of Bees," while Lee Daniels, a film and television producer behind projects like "Precious," is preparing to bring Jordan E Cooper's "Ain't No Mo'" to Broadway. Despite facing resistance from Broadway producers due to the unconventional nature of the show, Daniels remains determined to bring it to Broadway after the pandemic subsides, with the help of producer Sonia Friedman. He stated that it is the center of New York City, and we should be located in the heart of New York City. © 2020 The New York Times Company.