The Problem of the Hero

In 1940, the author Richard Wright collaborates with playwright Paul Green to adapt Wright's best-selling book, Native Son, into a Broadway play. As the opening night approaches, tensions rise over a crucial page of the script, highlighting the complexities of artistic vision and collaboration. This narrative unfolds against the backdrop of Chicago, Illinois, and Chapel Hill, North Carolina, providing a historical lens on the struggles of the time.

The film draws on real events and provides insight into the intersection of literature and theater. It examines not just the creative process but also the social issues of racism that permeated the era. With a focus on characters portrayed by David zum Brunnen and Alexa Yeames, the drama brings to life the intricacies of adapting a powerful story for the stage.