A. Zell Williams, InterAct Theatre Company Win 2011 Smith Prize

A. Zell Williams’ In a Daughter’s Eyes, along with Philadelphia’s InterAct Theatre Company, has won the 2011 Smith Prize from the National New Play Network (NNPN). The honor, awarded annually to the best new play focusing on American politics, carries a $5,000 cash grant, which is split between the playwright and the first NNPN member theater to produce the play.

Williams’ play centers on the true story of Mumia Abu-Jamal, an activist and journalist convicted in the death of a Philadelphia police officer. It follows two women – the lawyer-child of an incarcerated Black Panther, and the daughter of the white police officer Abu-Jamal allegedly killed.

Williams’ other plays include BLOOD/MONEY, A Motherless Child, The Pledge Drive, and Gnashing.

In a Daughter’s Eyes, directed by Rebecca Wright, will run May 27 – June 19 at InterAct Theatre Company. The company will feature Lynnette R. Freeman and Krista Apple.

For further information about the production, click here. For more information about the prize, click here.