Extended Play is the Civilians’ online journal exploring the many forms of investigative storytelling. We cover artists working at the intersection of art and life, taking you behind the scenes of the creative process and new innovations in theater.

As 2021 kicks off, we wanted to revisit the ten most popular articles that have defined Extended Play since its launch five years ago. Go behind the scenes at tech week with Anne Washburn, hear from Lucas Hnath about the creative process, and catch up with Pretty Filthy contributor Kelly Shibari below!

10. “From Muslims in America to Child Soldiers in the Congo: Ping Chong Values Underheard Voices”

Originally published on April 2, 2015. Written by Amelia Parenteau. 

In his nearly 50-year career, investigative theater pioneer Ping Chong has explored some of the more controversial topics of our time and inspired others to emulate his methodology. Read here.

9. “Civilians R&D In Process: The Columbiners Team”

Originally published on January 20, 2016. Written by Gordon Leary. 

Civilians R&D Group members Gordon Leary, Julia Meinwald and Benjamin Kamine are working on musical inspired by an online community of fans of the Columbine killers. Here, they share some of the visual research they have gathered in their investigation. Read here.

8. “Revolting Activism: The Yes Men Blend Performance and Real-World Action”

Originally published on October 8, 2015. Andrea Ciannavei interviews Jacques Servin and Laura Nix.

Activist/writer Andrea Ciannavei interviews Jacques Servin and Laura Nix about the Yes Men, the activist performance duo that targets power systems. Read here.

7. “The Cast of ‘Whisper House’ in the Time of Corona”

Originally published on April 7, 2020. Written by Susan Yassky. 

In this interview with Extended Play, the cast of “Whsiper House,” which closed before its first preview due to COVID-19, reminisces about the show and discusses their hopes for the future. Read here.

6. “With ’10 Out of 12,’ Anne Washburn and Les Waters Take You Inside Tech Week”

Originally published on June 13, 2015. Written by James Carter, Anne Washburn, and Les Waters. 

“The whole thing about a tech is that the designers are all trapped at tables… So, in a way, the degree to which an audience member is trapped in a seat is very much the way the designers are trapped at their stations.” — Anne Washburn. Read here.

5. “Lucas Hnath Brings ‘The Christians’ from the Church to the Stage”

Originally published on October 19, 2015. Steve Cosson interviews Lucas Hnath.  

“I was noticing that, especially within the theater, a good bit of the material that discussed religion — specifically Christianity — did so satirically. Any time I notice a gap — something that’s not being talked about or said or noticed — then I want to rush in and make something for that barren space.” — Lucas Hnath. Read here.

4. “The Memory of a Mining Disaster’s Aftermath Lives On in ‘Coal Country'”

Originally published on May 18, 2020. Written by Daniel Krane.  

Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen discuss their documentary play “Coal Country” before and after its coronavirus cancellation. Read here.

3. “‘That Sh*t’s Global’ — Women Taking Theater Behind, and Beyond, Bars”

Originally published on March 16, 2016. Written by Nora Tjossem. 

Extended Play talks to three artists who use theater to empower imprisoned women around the world. Read here.

2. “Transforming Documentary Film into Live Spectacle: Sam Green on Exploring the Fleeting Nature of Being Alive”

Originally published on March 13, 2015. Ian Daniel interviews Sam Green.

“I don’t want to make a piece that bums people out. You can start to sound precious saying stuff like this, but in my mind, human connection and empathy are some of the highest aims of art.”— Sam Green. Read here.

1. “From Plus-Sized Porn Princess to Social Media Maven: Catching Up with Kelly Shibari”

Originally published on February 27, 2015. Ian Daniel interviews Kelly Shibari.

In 2009, the Civilians interviewed Kelly Shibari as part of the research for the new musical “Pretty Filthy.” Extended Play recently caught up with Shibari to see how the industry has changed since. Post contains NSFW images. Read here.

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