Tim Robbins Believes In The Power Of Theater

This episode of Fresh Air features Tonya Mosley interviewing Tim Robbins, the Academy Award-winning actor, director, and founder of The Actors Gang. They discuss Robbins' new play, Topsy Turvy, which explores themes of isolation and connection in a post-pandemic world, and his broader artistic focus on reconciling opposing beliefs and finding harmony. Robbins shares insights into his creative process, the influence of Greek theater, and his commitment to theater as a means of free expression. He also reflects on his early experiences with street theater, the impact of mentors like Dario Fo and Robert Altman, and the role of art in transforming consciousness. The conversation further explores Robbins' views on propaganda in media, his moral compass, and his work with prison inmates through The Actors Gang, using theater to help them access and manage their emotions. The episode concludes with a review by David Bianculli of the Netflix miniseries "Death by Lightning".