Gen U

Amazon and Walmart are the behemoths of the 21st Century, much like Big Steel and Big Auto were at the beginning of the 20th Century. The demands that working people are making on these companies will shape the working person’s future for decades to come. Spearheaded by playwright James McManus, this project engages the individuals and organizations behind the current unionization movement in creation of an original theatrical work that speaks to this urgent moment in America. ​
To participate in this new program please reach out to assistant@notchtheatre.org
​JAMES McMANUS - Playwright
James is the author of ten plays: The Rivers Don't Know, Radioman, Love on San Pedro, Dry Bones, The Friendly Tavern, Dorothy 6, Morning in America, Underground, Cherry Smoke and Blood Potato.  Many of his plays were written in collaboration with communities including laid off United Steelworker members (Dorothy 6), immigrant and refugee communities in Pittsburgh (The Rivers Don't Know), combat veterans (Radioman) and the homeless community of Skid Row in Los Angeles (Love on San Pedro). In one of his many artist survival jobs, he was Assistant Shop Steward and proud member of his union, CWA Local 13500. His plays have been developed and performed at La Jolla Playhouse, Cornerstone Theater Company, City Theatre, Labyrinth Theater Company, Glass Umbrella Creative (Sydney), Revolt Theatre (Melbourne) and many others around the world. James was the recipient of the Princess Grace Award in Playwriting for Cherry Smoke. He has also received the Helen Merrill Playwriting Award and is a proud alumnus of New Dramatists. 
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​BRIA MORGAN DINKINS (they/she) -
​ Community Engagement Associate​
Bria  is a Black, Queer, storyteller, costume designer, and curator based in New York City. With a background in anthropology, art history, and theater, their expertise is in socially engaged and public art. Their senior thesis entitled “Conceptions of Monumental Interventions in the Age of #BLM” explored performance activism, the reclamation of monuments, and consciousness-raising in the Black Lives Matter movement. Previously, Bria worked as Public Programs Coordinator at the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University. There, they were a recipient of The College of Arts & Letters Engaged Pedagogy & Programming Grant and were involved in the unionization effort for their cohort of Academic Specialists.  
Graphic Design by Olivia George