John Patrick Shanley has been writing powerful plays for decades, but during most of that time his stage reputation was overshadowed by his screen work. Not only did he win an Oscar for his Moonstruck screenplay in 1987, but he did some directing, too. For all his persistence in writing for the stage, he didn't make it to Broadway until age 55. That was in 2005, when Doubt, a Parable won every award in sight, including the Pulitzer Prize and the Tony for best drama. Of course, those honors prompted a huge re-examination of Mr. Shanley's dramatic oeuvre.

We've had splendid productions of three or four early plays at the Bath House Cultural Center during the last few years. But Doubt won't get here until WaterTower Theatre mounts it next month, right before the release of the movie version directed by the playwright himself and starring Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman.

Curiously, Defiance arrives in Dallas first, thanks to Theatre Three. Mr. Shanley's newest play is the second in a projected trilogy inaugurated by Doubt, presumably all studies of American institutions. Doubt was about the church. Defiance is about the military and race in America.

T.J. Walsh, who has staged some of Theatre Three's strongest shows in recent seasons, directs a talented cast led by Steven Pounders, Diane Worman and Bryan Pitts.

{TriRight} Previews continue tonight through Sunday. Opens Monday at 7:30 p.m. and runs through Oct. 5 at Theatre Three in the Quadrangle, 2800 Routh St. Performances Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2:30 and 8 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m. (Additional performance Oct. 1 at 2 p.m.) $10 to $40. 214-871-3300. www.theatre3dallas.com.