Old news is new news again

Governmental attacks on intellectuals and artists. A political party slinging the label communist at its opponents. Abuses of political power that threaten a turn to authoritarianism. No, I’m not referring to today’s headlines. These are the themes of Are You Now or Have You Ever Been?, a play by Eric Bentley, directed by Anna D. Shapiro, now running through December 6 at Arena Stage. This production could hardly be more timely.