Theater News

Moisés Kaufman to Receive American Artist Award at Arena Stage

”Carousel” will share its opening night with the acclaimed playwright and director.

Arena Stage will honor Moisés Kaufman with the the American Artist Award on November 10.
Arena Stage will honor Moisés Kaufman with the the American Artist Award on November 10.
(© Tristan Fuge)

Washington, D.C.'s Arena Stage will present the American Artist Award to Tony and Emmy Award-nominated director and playwright Moisés Kaufman. The award will be presented Thursday, November 10, as part of the opening night celebration for the Arena Stage production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel, directed by artistic director Molly Smith.

"Moisés is one of the most iconic theater artists working in the industry today, and his contributions to the American theater scene are immeasurable, both politically and through making theater," said Smith in a statement. "His work is profound and provocative, continuously pushing boundaries and sparking national conversations. Arena Stage premiered 33 Variations before it moved to Broadway, and our audiences have also experienced his pioneering playmaking with The Laramie Project, which helped spark our country’s first federal hate crimes legislation, with the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act."

The American Artist Award recognizes artists of the highest caliber, honoring their work and significant contributions to American theater. Past recipients include Sheldon Harnick, Kathleen Turner, Leslie Uggams, Edward Albee, James Earl Jones, Robert "Bob" Alexander, August Wilson, and Arena Stage cofounder Zelda Fichandler.

"Molly Smith is one of our great theater visionaries," said Kaufman. "Arena Stage has been a home for me and Tectonic Theater for many years now, and I’ve developed much of my work there. Also, Arena has housed some of the most important artists in American theater, so I’m incredibly moved to get this recognition."

Carousel begins performances at Arena Stage October 28 and runs through December 24.

For tickets to Carousel, click here.

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