On November 5, 2015, Two Rivers Artistic Director John Dias sat down with actor, playwright, and director Ruben Santiago-Hudson and actor, playwright, choreographer and director Justin Emeka to discuss their bodies of work and philosophical approaches to directing. Throughout the conversation Santiago-Hudson and Emeka touch on the importance of thoughtful casting, directing both Shakespeare and August Wilson, and the importance of representation.

In this discussion, Santiago-Hudson and Emeka unpack issues of privilege, empowerment, and adaptation—all issues that a director must face as he or she approaches any body of work. Listen in as these two masters of the stage engage in a rich philosophical discussion about their craft and the material they work with.